By Cyllo Wise
In 2018, Julius Maada Bio was elected as the President of Sierra Leone with a resounding promise of a “New Direction.” This vision was crafted around the pillars of economic reform, educational advancement, anti-corruption, and national unity. With his military background and prior experience as head of state, Bio was seen as a leader who could navigate the complexities of governance and deliver on his promises. As Sierra Leone moves further into Bio’s second term, the nation stands at a critical juncture.
However, upon taking office, Bio inherited an economy grappling with high debt, inflation, and unemployment. His administration’s economic vision aimed to revitalize the economy through fiscal discipline, improved tax collection, and the promotion of sectors like agriculture, mining, and tourism. The goal was to reduce dependency on foreign aid and create a self-sustaining economy that could provide jobs and improve living standards.
Furthermore, Bio’s government has made notable strides in stabilizing Sierra Leone’s economy. One of the key achievements has been the improvement in tax collection, thanks to reforms in the National Revenue Authority (NRA). The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and better customs enforcement have boosted government revenue. Additionally, the government’s efforts to curb public spending and reduce the fiscal deficit have contributed to macroeconomic stability.
Investment in infrastructure, particularly in energy and road networks, has been another significant achievement. These developments have not only created jobs but also improved access to services and markets, which is crucial for economic growth. The government’s focus on agriculture, through initiatives like the Agriculture Sector Development Program, has aimed to boost food security and reduce the country’s reliance on food imports.
Despite these achievements, Bio’s economic agenda has faced several challenges. The austerity measures implemented to stabilize the economy have often led to cuts in essential public services, such as healthcare and education, exacerbating the hardships faced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Inflation remains a persistent issue, eroding the purchasing power of citizens and contributing to the high cost of living. The Leone has continued to depreciate against major currencies, further straining the economy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly impacted the economy, disrupting global supply chains and reducing foreign direct investment. The government’s response to the pandemic, while necessary, has further strained the budget, limiting its ability to pursue other development initiatives.
Moreover, the mining sector, which remains a cornerstone of the economy, has been marred by issues such as corruption, mismanagement, and poor contract negotiations. These problems have led to a situation where the wealth generated from natural resources has not been equitably distributed, contributing to income inequality and social discontent.
However, looking ahead, the road to economic success for Sierra Leone under Bio’s leadership will depend on several factors. First, the government must strike a balance between fiscal discipline and the provision of essential services. Investments in education, healthcare, and social protection are crucial for long-term development and social stability.
Second, the mining sector needs to be reformed to ensure that it contributes more significantly to national development. This includes renegotiating contracts, improving transparency, and ensuring that mining revenues are used to fund public goods.
Finally, the government must continue to diversify the economy, particularly by promoting sectors like agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. These sectors have the potential to create jobs, reduce poverty, and ensure more equitable economic growth. If Bio’s administration can address these challenges, there is potential for significant economic progress by 2028.
More so, one of the flagship programs of Bio’s presidency has been the Free Quality Education (FQE) initiative. Launched in 2018, the FQE program was designed to provide free primary and secondary education to all Sierra Leonean children, with the aim of improving literacy rates and preparing the next generation for the workforce. Education was positioned as a cornerstone of the “New Direction” agenda, seen as essential for lifting the nation out of poverty and driving sustainable development.
The FQE program has had a significant impact on access to education in Sierra Leone. Since its inception, school enrollment has increased dramatically, with more children, particularly girls, attending school than ever before. The government has also increased the education budget, leading to the construction of new schools and the provision of learning materials to students.
In addition, the FQE program has raised public awareness about the importance of education, with parents and communities increasingly recognizing the value of sending their children to school. The program has also included efforts to improve teacher training and recruitment, addressing the chronic shortage of qualified teachers in the country.
However, the FQE initiative has faced significant challenges, particularly in terms of educational quality. While more children are attending school, the quality of education they receive is often inadequate. Overcrowded classrooms, a lack of teaching materials, and underqualified teachers have all contributed to a situation where students are not receiving the education they need to succeed.
Moreover, while education may be free in principle, the associated costs, such as uniforms, transportation, and school supplies, remain a barrier for many families. This has led to high dropout rates, particularly among girls and children from poor households.
There have also been issues with the implementation of the FQE program, with reports of corruption and mismanagement in the allocation of resources. These problems have undermined the effectiveness of the program and raised questions about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
The future success of Sierra Leone’s education system under Bio’s leadership will depend on the government’s ability to address these challenges. To ensure that the FQE program fulfills its potential, the government must invest in improving the quality of education by providing adequate resources, reducing class sizes, and ensuring that all teachers are properly trained and supported.
Additionally, the government must work to remove the barriers that prevent children from attending school, particularly in rural areas. This includes addressing the indirect costs of education and ensuring that schools are safe and inclusive environments for all students.
If these issues are addressed, the FQE program has the potential to transform Sierra Leone’s education system and contribute to long-term social and economic development. However, if the challenges persist, the program may fall short of its goals, leading to widespread disappointment and a generation of undereducated youth.
Corruption has long been a pervasive issue in Sierra Leone, hindering development and eroding public trust in government institutions. Upon taking office, President Bio pledged to tackle corruption head-on, positioning it as a central pillar of his “New Direction” agenda. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was given increased powers, and several high-profile cases were pursued as part of a broader effort to root out graft and build a more transparent and accountable government.
Bio’s administration has seen some successes in the fight against corruption. The ACC has been more active than ever before, investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption at all levels of government. The recovery of stolen public funds has been a notable achievement, with millions of dollars reclaimed and returned to the state coffers.
The government has also introduced measures aimed at increasing transparency in public procurement and financial management. These reforms have included the introduction of electronic payment systems and the publication of government contracts, making it easier for citizens to hold their government accountable.
Despite these achievements, Bio’s anti-corruption drive has faced significant challenges and criticisms. One of the main criticisms has been the perception of selective justice, with some accusing the government of using the ACC as a tool to target political opponents rather than to pursue a genuine reform agenda. This perception has undermined public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts and raised concerns about the independence of the ACC.
Furthermore, corruption remains deeply entrenched in many areas of public life, and the government’s efforts have sometimes been seen as superficial or inconsistent. The centralization of power within the executive branch and the suppression of dissent have also raised concerns about democratic backsliding and the erosion of checks and balances.
The future of governance in Sierra Leone under Bio’s leadership will depend on the government’s ability to build on its successes and address its shortcomings. To restore public trust and ensure the sustainability of anti-corruption efforts, the government must strengthen institutions, ensure the independence of the judiciary, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
Additionally, the government must work to decentralize power and promote greater participation in decision-making processes. This includes engaging with civil society, protecting the rights of journalists and activists, and ensuring that all citizens have a voice in the governance of their country.
If these steps are taken, there is potential for significant progress in the fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance. However, if the current trends of centralization and repression continue, Sierra Leone risks further erosion of democratic institutions and increased political instability.
Bio’s administration has also focused on improving social services, with the aim of reducing inequality and improving the quality of life for all Sierra Leoneans. Initiatives such as the introduction of cash transfers for vulnerable populations and increased public sector wages have been part of this effort.
Bio’s administration has made commendable efforts to improve social services, focusing on reducing inequality and enhancing the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. The introduction of cash transfers for vulnerable populations has been a key component of this strategy, providing a safety net for those most in need. Additionally, increased wages for public sector workers, particularly in healthcare and education, have aimed to improve service delivery and motivation among frontline workers.
In healthcare, the government’s initiatives have led to some improvements. Efforts to bolster maternal and child health services, expand access to rural healthcare facilities, and combat endemic diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS have shown positive results. The establishment of new health centers and the recruitment of more healthcare workers have also contributed to better health outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.
However, these efforts have not been without their challenges. The impact of austerity measures on social services has been significant, with many essential services remaining underfunded and overstretched. While the cash transfer programs have provided relief to some, they have not been sufficient to address the widespread poverty and inequality that persist in the country. In many rural and marginalized communities, access to basic services such as healthcare, clean water, and education remains limited, exacerbating the divide between the wealthy and the poor.
The healthcare system, despite improvements, continues to face significant hurdles. The quality of care remains inconsistent, with many facilities lacking essential medicines, equipment, and trained personnel. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained the healthcare system, exposing vulnerabilities that have long existed. Additionally, corruption and mismanagement within the social services sector have hindered the effective delivery of programs intended to uplift the most vulnerable.
The road to 2028 presents an opportunity for Bio’s administration to make significant strides in social equity and service delivery. To truly bridge the gap between the rich and poor, the government must prioritize inclusive and equitable policies that ensure all Sierra Leoneans benefit from national development. This includes investing in rural development, improving access to quality healthcare, and expanding social protection programs to cover more vulnerable populations.
Moreover, addressing the underlying causes of inequality, such as corruption, poor governance, and inadequate infrastructure, will be crucial for long-term progress. By focusing on the most marginalized communities and ensuring that development efforts reach those who need them most, Bio’s administration can foster greater social cohesion and stability.
Human rights and democratic governance have been contentious areas under Bio’s leadership. The government’s handling of protests, the detention of political opponents, and restrictions on freedom of speech have raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in Sierra Leone. The 2023 general elections, marred by allegations of voter suppression and electoral irregularities, further tarnished the administration’s democratic credentials.
Despite these challenges, civil society organizations and the media have remained resilient, continuing to advocate for human rights and hold the government accountable. However, the shrinking civic space and increasing harassment of activists and journalists have made it difficult for these groups to operate effectively, threatening the vibrancy of Sierra Leone’s democracy.
As Sierra Leone looks toward 2028, the future of its democracy will hinge on the actions of Bio’s administration in the coming years. To uphold the promise of freedom and democratic governance, the government must commit to respecting civil liberties, protecting the rights of all citizens, and fostering a political environment where dissent is tolerated and valued.
Strengthening democratic institutions, including the judiciary, electoral commission, and parliament, will be essential for ensuring fair and transparent governance. The government must also work to rebuild trust with the electorate by addressing past grievances, ensuring free and fair elections, and promoting political inclusivity.
If Bio’s administration can take these steps, there is hope for a more vibrant and resilient democracy in Sierra Leone. However, if the current trends of repression and centralization continue, the country risks sliding further into authoritarianism, with dire consequences for political stability and social peace.
On the international front, President Bio has sought to position Sierra Leone as a stable and reliable partner, particularly within the West African sub-region. His administration has maintained strong ties with traditional allies, secured vital foreign aid, and attracted investment in key sectors such as infrastructure and agriculture.
However, internal governance issues, particularly related to human rights and corruption, have strained Sierra Leone’s global standing. The international community has voiced concerns over the administration’s handling of elections, its crackdown on civil liberties, and its failure to fully address corruption. These issues have the potential to undermine Sierra Leone’s relationships with key international partners and reduce the flow of foreign aid and investment.
The next few years will be critical for Sierra Leone’s international relations. To maintain and strengthen global partnerships, Bio’s administration must demonstrate a commitment to good governance, human rights, and transparency. This includes addressing the concerns raised by the international community and taking concrete steps to improve the country’s democratic practices.
Moreover, Sierra Leone must continue to diversify its international partnerships, seeking new alliances and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, and climate change. By balancing national interests with global partnerships, Sierra Leone can secure the support it needs for sustainable development and economic growth.
As Sierra Leone navigates the complexities of governance under President Julius Maada Bio, the nation stands at a crossroads. The progress made in areas such as economic stability, educational reform, and social services is commendable, but significant challenges remain. Corruption, inequality, and democratic backsliding continue to undermine the country’s development prospects and threaten its stability.
The road to success for Sierra Leone by 2028 will require bold leadership, inclusive governance, and a commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues that have long hindered the nation’s progress. Bio’s administration has the opportunity to build on its achievements, rectify its mistakes, and chart a course toward a more prosperous, equitable, and democratic Sierra Leone.
To do so, the government must prioritize the needs of its people, uphold the principles of justice and accountability, and engage constructively with the international community. The fate of Sierra Leone till 2028 rests on the choices made today, and the road to success, though challenging, is within reach if the nation’s leaders have the vision and determination to seize it.
