Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-30 13:30:29
Alpha Amadu Jalloh reflects on the state of democracy in Sierra Leone, particularly under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. While Bio portrays himself as a champion of democracy on the global stage, the nation is still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating eleven-year civil war. The scars left by this conflict run deep, prompting questions about the systemic failures that led to such brutality.
The seeds of Sierra Leone’s turmoil were sown during the governance of the late President Dr. Joseph Saidu Momoh, a protege of President Siaka Stevens. Despite claims of democratic leadership, the reality was far from it, with the country teetering on the brink of chaos. The intervention of the NPRC, led by Chairman Valentine E M Strasser, aimed to restore democracy but was marred by internal power struggles, including President Bio’s attempts to manipulate the political landscape to his advantage.
Calls for peace and reconciliation through the Bintumani II conference were met with resistance, particularly from women leaders like Mrs. Zainab Bangura, who refused to accept any prolongation of military rule. The military interventions that followed, including the coup led by Johnny Paul Koroma, tested the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people, who stood firm in their commitment to democracy.
President Tejan Kabba’s tenure marked a turning point, with international intervention aiding in the healing process and the establishment of mechanisms like the Special Court and Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address past atrocities. However, the progress made during this period has been overshadowed by the return of familiar challenges such as bad governance and economic mismanagement.
President Bio’s leadership, characterized by squandering national resources and reliance on UN scholarships during his exile, raises doubts about his ability to govern effectively. His tenure serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of failed democracy and the importance of learning from past mistakes.
It is essential for Sierra Leoneans to reflect on their history and the sacrifices made in the name of democracy. Only through collective vigilance and determination can the nation overcome its current challenges and realize the promise of true democracy. The lessons of the past must not be forgotten, and complacency must be avoided at all costs to ensure a brighter future for Sierra Leone and its citizens.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
