By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, how about we have a serious discussion about the current situation in Sierra Leone? We need to talk openly about the state of our security apparatus, the presence of ECOSIL, and the direction in which our country is heading. Mr. President, can you explain to the people why ECOSIL, the ECOWAS military force, is stationed in Sierra Leone? What is their purpose here, and why has their arrival been met with so little transparency?
In our past discussions, you rarely, if ever, mentioned our security forces. Perhaps because, deep down, you realize that what I am about to say holds some truth: your government has made it evident that Sierra Leone no longer possesses a functioning, independent security apparatus. I know you might argue that I am disrespecting the country’s security services by making such a statement. But let’s face the facts—your actions have proven this to be true. Just as you ceded the control of various ministries and other state institutions to the “Prince,” Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, you are now doing the same with our security forces, from the police to the military.
Mr. President, you’ve essentially confirmed to the world that the Sierra Leone Police and Armed Forces are now your private security agencies, working at your whims rather than protecting the people. This is a drastic departure from what these forces used to represent, especially during the pre-independence era when they were national institutions serving the citizens, not political interests.
In Sierra Leone, the police have become an arm of political power, ever since the days of the late President Siaka Stevens. Under his regime, with his infamous “Bandalay” policies, he politicized the army and police, appointing their heads to parliament, thereby eroding their neutrality. These forces were no longer the people’s protectors but partisan enforcers. The remnants of this legacy persist to this day.
I still recall the day the APC won the elections in 2007. Police officers celebrated in the streets, not because they were jubilant over a democratic process but because their preferred political party had taken power. It was as though Sierra Leone had won the World Cup. That should have been the only time we should see such celebration in our police force. But no, it was a clear sign that the neutrality of our security services had disappeared.
During the APC reign, the army, police, and even special forces like the Delta were mere tools for President Ernest Koroma. Now, under your leadership, the situation remains the same; only the party has changed. These security forces continue to serve the whims of the president, be it Koroma or Bio. This entrenched cycle of partisanship within the security apparatus needs to end, but under your leadership, it has only worsened.
As a former military man yourself, Mr. President, you should know better. You’ve been through the system, and you’ve seen firsthand what a true national force looks like. Yet, the Sierra Leone Police and Armed Forces today have become symbols of brutality. They no longer respect human rights. Our police force is among the most corrupt and ineffective in the world, operating solely at the desire of the highest bidder or whoever holds influence.
It is deeply troubling that you, Mr. President, never considered continuing the reform efforts of our late President Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabbah. Despite leading the country during the most challenging period of our history, President Kabbah made significant strides in reforming our institutions, laying the foundation for a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans. But under your rule, those efforts have been abandoned in favor of grandstanding and posturing.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: what happened in Sierra Leone in August 2023 and November 2024? The violent incidents and unrest led to the deployment of ECOWAS forces in our country. But why are they here? Are we at war, Mr. President? If not, why do we need a foreign military presence to maintain peace and order? These are questions that demand clear, honest answers. The people of Sierra Leone deserve to know.
What’s even more concerning is the potential long-term impact of these foreign forces on our country. Do you remember the legacy left behind by ECOMOG and UNAMSIL? Thousands of children were left behind, born to single mothers who received no support from the UN or our government. Have you considered the consequences of bringing foreign military forces into a country already struggling with extreme poverty? Our vulnerable women and girls are at the highest risk, facing the brunt of poverty and exploitation. These are the same women and girls who have been failed time and time again by a government that refuses to prioritize their well-being.
Mr. President, the arrival of ECOSIL comes with immense costs, financial and social. Have you thought about how these forces will affect the already strained lives of our people? Our impoverished communities, especially women and children, are the ones who will suffer the most from the presence of foreign troops. History has shown us this. Yet, you have remained silent on the matter, leaving the people to fend for themselves once again.
Your government has continuously failed to deliver on its promises, choosing instead to enrich a select few while the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans suffer in silence. It is unforgivable what you have done to this country, Mr. President. You have torn apart the very fabric of our society, leaving behind a legacy of broken promises, unfulfilled potential, and people who feel more disconnected from their government than ever before.
The people of Sierra Leone deserve better. They deserve a government that puts their interests first, not a government that prioritizes personal gain and political survival. It is time for you to be honest with the people, Mr. President. Why is ECOSIL here? And when will you finally start working for the people who entrusted you with the highest office in the land?
The time for grandstanding is over. It’s time for real leadership.
