By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay
The West African nation, Sierra Leone has celebrated its 63th year of independence on April 27, 2024. By many expectations (by Sierra Leoneans), this date is a time of joy and celebration, nevertheless the country continues to face unrelenting hardship, leaving many to consider it the worst independence ever.
Sierra Leone is notorious for being one of the poorest nations in the world, with 70% of its population living below the poverty line. Poverty, along with a lack of infrastructure, has resulted in a lack of access to basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare, and education.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only compounded the issue, with Sierra Leone currently experiencing a surge in cases. The country’s healthcare system is struggling to cope, as hospitals and clinics are understaffed, under-resourced, and underfunded.
The country is still dealing with the aftermath of the devastating Ebola outbreak of 2014-2016, which killed over 11,000 people and left a lasting impact on the nation’s healthcare system.
Sierra Leone is also grappling with political instability. The country experienced a brutal civil war from 1991-2002, which left over 50,000 dead and caused significant damage to infrastructure. Since then, the nation has struggled to achieve political stability, with corruption, nepotism, and political violence still prevalent.
Despite the difficulties faced by the nation, there are those who remain hopeful for its future. There are many grassroots organizations working to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans, providing basic necessities such as food, water, and education.
There has also been progress made in rebuilding infrastructure, with roads and bridges being repaired, and electricity being provided to more parts of the country. These efforts are often hampered by the lack of resources and political willpower. The international community has a vital role to play in supporting Sierra Leone, but it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders to bring about significant change.
While Sierra Leone may have celebrated its 63th year of independence, there is still much work to be done before the country can truly enjoy true independence. Going forward, it is essential that stakeholders work together to address the issues of poverty, healthcare, education, and political stability, so that Sierra Leone can finally realize its potential as a prosperous and thriving nation.
