Kandeh Sesay ( Salone Malema)
In 2018, Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, frustrated by corruption and mismanagement, called for change at the ballot box. This led to a peaceful transition of power from the All People’s Congress (APC) to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), with Julius Maada Bio assuming the presidency. Having previously served as head of state under the military-led National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC), many believed Bio had the experience, vision, and empathy to lead the country toward progress. His long wait—over two decades—for the presidency fueled expectations that he would bring meaningful reforms.
Some political analysts even argued that Bio could have played an active role in governance during his years in waiting, perhaps as a Member of Parliament, had he chosen to. However, he remained singularly focused on securing the presidency, a decision that raised both hope and skepticism.
Now, six years into his presidency, many Sierra Leoneans believe Bio’s leadership has been a historical mistake. The man who once criticized the APC for corruption and mismanagement is now facing similar allegations. His administration has been widely criticized for failing to tackle corruption and for abandoning key promises made during his campaign. Disillusionment grows each time President Bio speaks, as his words no longer align with the reality on the ground. The citizens who placed their trust in him are questioning the benefits of his leadership, as many feel excluded from the progress he once pledged.
President Bio’s rise to power was built on promises of democratic change, good governance, and restoring Sierra Leone’s international reputation. However, under his watch, the country’s image has suffered significantly. Reports indicate that Sierra Leone has become a transit hub for drug trafficking, with allegations that members of Bio’s own family are involved in illicit activities. According to international assessments, drug trafficking and money laundering remain rampant, with Sierra Leone serving as a key transshipment point for narcotics moving from South America and Asia to Europe and the United States. Corruption continues to hinder access to basic public services, including healthcare, education, and law enforcement. Meanwhile, the judicial system struggles with inefficiency and an overwhelming backlog of cases.
The president’s critics argue that Bio has lost the very consciousness that once defined his political aspirations. His administration appears to embody the same governance failures he once condemned. To many, this is a stark example of political backsliding—an abandonment of principles in favor of power. Those closest to him, rather than holding him accountable, seem unwilling to tell him the truth.
Sierra Leoneans are left to wonder: Is there still hope for the change they once believed in, or has their trust in President Bio been misplaced?
