Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-12 14:12:55
In Sierra Leone’s political landscape, there is a concerning trend on the rise known as the Paopavangelist within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). These individuals, driven by a desperate desire for recognition and power, are causing significant harm to both the SLPP and the nation as a whole.
The term “Paopavangelist” refers to a faction within the SLPP made up of individuals who lack a true understanding of the political process. Often referred to as “Party Pekin Dem,” these are young and easily influenced individuals who are manipulated into believing they are fighting for a noble cause. However, this cause is often a fabrication created by those seeking to exploit their naivety for personal gain.
Traditionally, Sierra Leone has been a nation of interconnected communities, bound together by various ties such as marriage, education, and religion. However, the Paopavangelist faction seeks to sow division rather than unity, viewing anyone outside of their circle as enemies to be defeated. They are indoctrinated with the belief that they must protect themselves from perceived threats, leading to a cycle of violence and destruction.
The most extreme faction within the Paopavangelist group is known as the “Benghazi boys” – a group of thugs who are willing to commit acts of violence on behalf of their superiors within the party. Lives are often lost in these senseless acts, yet the instigators of the violence remain untouched, leaving the foot soldiers to face the consequences alone.
Many Paopavangelists find themselves either in jail or in hiding, abandoned by the very individuals who once encouraged their actions. With no other options for survival, they often return to the party headquarters, only to be used and discarded once again. Promises of jobs and opportunities are made but rarely fulfilled, trapping these individuals in a cycle of poverty and violence.
Both the SLPP and the All People’s Congress (APC) exploit young people to further their own agendas, using tribalism and regionalism to manipulate them into serving their interests. Once elections are won, these young individuals are cast aside, left to fend for themselves in a society that offers little hope for their future.
The rise of the Paopavangelists represents a dangerous evolution of politics in Sierra Leone – one characterized by greed, manipulation, and exploitation. Without addressing the root causes of this phenomenon, the nation risks descending further into chaos and despair.
It is crucial for all Sierra Leoneans to come together and reject the toxic influence of the Paopavangelists, reclaiming the soul of Sierra Leonean politics for the betterment of all. Only through unity and collective action can the nation move away from the destructive path set by these individuals and towards a brighter future for all.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
