By Mohamed Kamara
Recent investigations into the ongoing political landscape in Sierra Leone have revealed a concerning trend: the country’s political struggles are motivated not by patriotism or national interest but by a desire for power. The study indicates that six out of every ten individuals from the middle and upper classes aspire to secure political positions such as President, Member of Parliament, or high-ranking executive roles.
Despite Sierra Leone’s potential for economic growth—given its topography, population, and natural wealth—its development is being jeopardized by a politically ambitious middle and upper class. The findings suggest that the excessive politicization of society is fueled by a high rate of illiteracy and economic dependency on the middle and upper classes by those with lower incomes. This dependency makes the lower-income earners more susceptible to exploitation, often acting on behalf of their wealthier counterparts with little regard for legal consequences. Alarmingly, those who violate the law to further the political ambitions of the middle and upper classes often remain silent about those who instigated their actions.
The study shows that once in power, only one out of six individuals from the middle and upper classes focus on personal gains such as building houses, driving luxury cars, and sending their children to elite schools. Most of these political figures neglect to invest in the private sector, overlooking opportunities to create jobs or support educational initiatives for the underprivileged.
Further analysis reveals a lack of accountability within Sierra Leone’s major political parties, the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Both parties fail to enforce disciplinary measures against members who violate party constitutions, often due to favoritism and nepotism influenced by tribal connections. Tribal ties also play a significant role in the selection of flag bearers, Members of Parliament, and executive positions within the parties. Despite calls for political reform, these tendencies persist, hampering the nation’s progress.
The findings also highlight a concerning trend in Sierra Leone’s political culture: personal connections often outweigh merit when it comes to garnering support. The study concludes that Sierra Leone is among the few countries where political aspirations are measured more by popularity than by the track records of candidates.
