Sierra Leone at a Crossroads: Seven Years Under President Bio and the Path Ahead
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Seven years into President Julius Maada Bio’s tenure, Sierra Leone finds itself at a pivotal moment, grappling with complex economic realities, persistent governance challenges, and a vibrant, if sometimes fractious, political landscape. A recent, extensive studio discussion featuring prominent voices from both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) offered a rare glimpse into the contrasting perspectives shaping the nation’s narrative. While the SLPP highlighted its achievements, particularly in human capital development and regional diplomacy, the APC underscored economic hardships and questioned the effectiveness of the current administration.
Governance and Democracy: A Mixed Report Card
The discussion painted a nuanced picture of governance under President Bio. The opposition, represented by Honorable Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, a seasoned politician and former APC Member of Parliament, described a political landscape often marked by toxicity and division. He lamented a society where differing ideologies are perceived as enmity, hindering national development. Ben Kargbo stressed the importance of allowing diverse views in a democracy, urging a move away from the current “toxic” environment.
Conversely, Alhaji Dr. Alpha Khan, the Presidential Spokesman for the Bio administration, maintained that the government is responsive. He cited instances where President Bio personally engaged with citizens and addressed concerns, suggesting a willingness to listen. However, the recurring theme from the opposition was a perceived lack of government responsiveness to their specific grievances, particularly concerning critical national issues.
One notable point of contention raised by Ben Kargbo was the perceived weakness of the APC as an opposition force. While asserting the APC remains a “robust opposition,” he acknowledged public perception of disarray, urging his party to work “assiduously” to “discredit the SLPP because of their bad performance” and prepare for the next elections. This highlights the internal pressure on the APC to reassert its influence and effectively hold the government accountable.
Economic Management and the Koidu Holdings Controversy
The state of Sierra Leone’s economy emerged as a central and deeply contentious issue. Ben Kargbo painted a grim picture, arguing that the economy is struggling, leading to widespread poverty and a general sense of hopelessness among ordinary citizens. He pointed to the Koidu Holdings mining controversy as a prime example of economic mismanagement and a failure to protect jobs.
The Koidu Holdings case, which resulted in over a thousand job losses, became a microcosm of the broader economic debate. Ben Kargbo expressed shock at the company’s near collapse, labeling it an “embarrassment” and criticizing the government’s handling of the situation. He specifically noted the silence of the Minister of Mineral Resources, arguing that such a critical issue demanded a direct intervention, perhaps even a presidential statement, to reassure the public and investors.
Dr. Alpha Khan, however, offered a counter-narrative, primarily attributing Koidu Holdings’ woes to internal labor problems and unfavorable global diamond prices, rather than government fault. He argued that the mine’s deposit was nearing depletion and that the company faced significant financial obligations for mine closure and employee benefits. Dr. Khan asserted that the First Lady’s intervention was a personal act of solidarity with the workers, not an official government directive to harm the company. He further emphasized that the Minister of Labor, not the Minister of Mines, was the appropriate official to address the labor dispute, and that the company’s decision to cease operations was premeditated.
This divergence in perspective underscores the challenge of reconciling economic realities with political narratives. While the opposition points to job losses and economic hardship as indicators of government failure, the ruling party seeks to contextualize these issues within global economic trends and specific company decisions.
Infrastructure: Achievements and Lingering Questions
Infrastructure development was another key area of discussion, with both sides claiming significant achievements during their respective tenures. Ben Kargbo lauded the APC’s past efforts in road construction, particularly the “ring road system” and the transformation of Wilkinson Road in Freetown. He also highlighted the APC’s role in bringing the submarine fiber optic cable to Sierra Leone, a move that significantly improved internet access.
On the issue of electricity, Ben Kargbo recalled the APC’s success in improving power supply, citing the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project and increased access across the country. He criticized the current administration’s reliance on the Turkish Karpowership, describing it as an expensive “temporary phenomenon” that has become a permanent, debt-ridden fixture.
Dr. Alpha Khan countered by acknowledging the initial challenges in electricity but emphasized the current administration’s efforts to develop local production capacity and explore alternative energy sources like solar power. He defended the use of Karpowership as a necessary “crisis management” solution inherited from the previous administration, arguing that the current government is working to reduce dependency on it.
The contentious Freetown-Masiaka toll road and the new Lungi International Airport also came under scrutiny. Ben Kargbo highlighted the SLPP’s past criticisms of the toll road while in opposition, noting the irony that the current government has not only maintained it but increased its charges. Dr. Alpha Khan, remarkably, admitted his personal opposition to the toll road concept, revealing he was even “kicked out of cabinet” for disagreeing with its implementation by the previous APC government. He argued that public roads built with taxpayer money should not be tolled, advocating for new, investor-built toll roads as alternatives.
President Bio’s ECOWAS Chairmanship: A Boost for Image, a Test for Domestic Focus
President Bio’s recent election as ECOWAS Chairman was a point of pride for the ruling party, though the opposition viewed it with cautious optimism. Dr. Alpha Khan articulated a robust defense of President Bio’s appointment, highlighting his qualifications. Khan emphasized Bio’s security background and experience in resolving conflict, seeing it as crucial for addressing regional threats like Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda. He also pointed to Bio’s past role in restoring democratic governance in Sierra Leone as a key factor in his selection, particularly in engaging military-led Sahel states to return to democratic rule. Furthermore, Khan stressed President Bio’s commitment to continental integration, trade, and monetary union as central to his new regional role.
Ben Kargbo, while offering congratulations, maintained a more detached and journalistic stance. He acknowledged the honor but underscored that President Bio’s primary responsibility remains with the people of Sierra Leone. He urged the President to view his ECOWAS chairmanship as an opportunity to build a lasting legacy and ensure a smooth exit from power, emphasizing the need for the President to return with “laurels.” The opposition also expressed concern that the new role might exacerbate what they perceive as the President’s “insatiable appetite for foreign travels and meaningless summits,” potentially diverting attention from pressing domestic issues.
National Unity and the Path Ahead
Throughout the discussion, both parties alluded to the importance of national unity and inclusive governance. Ben Kargbo, from the opposition, made a direct appeal to his APC members to unite and work towards winning the next elections, emphasizing the party’s size and experience. He stressed the need to avoid “toxic” politics and to treat rivals as “friends,” highlighting a desire for a more constructive political discourse. He concluded with a hopeful vision of a transformed Sierra Leone by 2028, free from current economic hardships.
Dr. Alpha Khan, in his closing remarks, reiterated the government’s commitment to development, framing President Bio’s tenure as a continuation of progress since the civil war. He stressed the need to “fix the politics” of Sierra Leone, advocating for a future where elections do not lead to conflict.
The extensive studio discussion highlighted not only the clear divisions but also subtle areas of agreement and shared aspirations for Sierra Leone’s future. The ruling party, armed with its narrative of progress and regional leadership, seeks to consolidate its gains. The opposition, while acknowledging internal struggles, remains determined to present itself as a viable alternative, ready to address the economic anxieties of the populace.
As Sierra Leone approaches its next elections, the discourse will undoubtedly continue to revolve around these critical themes: the tangible impact of governance on daily lives, the effectiveness of economic policies, the sustainability of infrastructure projects, and the nation’s evolving role on the regional and global stage. The ability of both sides to engage in constructive dialogue, prioritize national interest, and foster genuine inclusive governance will ultimately determine the country’s trajectory.
