By Alpha Amadu Jalloh—author of “Monopoly of Happiness” and “Unveiling Sierra Leone’s Social Imbalance”
Mr. President, I hope you are in a reflective mood today, as we step into a new year. I understand our ongoing discussions, particularly about the end-of-year security breach and the recklessness of your security apparatus, might not sit well with you. But the truth is a stubborn friend, Mr. President, and it must be spoken. Let us address a few pressing matters that cannot be swept under the rug.
Mr. President, I ask you, with all sincerity: how is it that the heads of the Office of National Security (ONS) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) still hold their positions? Shouldn’t they, by now, be begging for their jobs? The recent ethnic profiling and discriminatory arrests of Fula citizens during the security crackdown were not only baseless but deeply damaging to our national unity. It is a disgrace that such acts of reckless incompetence are tolerated at the highest levels of our security apparatus.
Moreover, the debacle surrounding your security during the boat commissioning event raises serious questions about the competence of these officials. How did such a glaring lapse occur under their watch? Mr. President, the failure to ensure your safety at a public event is unacceptable and speaks volumes about the inadequacies within the security sector. Heads must roll for this, and both leaders should be held accountable.
Mr. President, another question that begs an answer: why do you personally oversee every minor event, launch, or commissioning? “Even pull na doe sef na yu dae go.” Why are ministers and heads of relevant institutions not entrusted with these responsibilities? This lack of delegation not only undermines the presidency but also diminishes the value of the ministers who are meant to represent you.
If you cannot trust your ministers to handle these roles, then why are they occupying these positions? Are we, as a nation, wasting our consolidated funds to pay them for roles you seem reluctant to let them fulfill? Delegation, Mr. President, is not a sign of weakness but a mark of leadership. By taking on every task yourself, you are diminishing the office of the presidency and turning it into a one-man show. This is neither sustainable nor befitting the dignity of your position.
Mr. President, I must ask this difficult question: Do you realize that your leadership style is beginning to mirror that of Idi Amin? I urge you to watch the movie “The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin.” While it may appear to be fiction, the parallels between Amin’s authoritarian tendencies and what is transpiring under your leadership in Sierra Leone are striking. History teaches us valuable lessons, and it is imperative to reflect on how you wish to be remembered.
Leadership is fleeting, Mr. President. One day, like all of us, you will be gone. “Bra yu go hib head,” as we say. What legacy do you wish to leave behind? A nation built on strong institutions and unity. Or a fractured state marred by distrust, ethnic division, and authoritarianism? The choice is yours, and history will judge you accordingly.
Mr. President, I understand that those closest to you might not tell you the truth. It is an unfortunate reality of power that sycophants often surround leaders, whispering only what they think you want to hear. But it is precisely for this reason that you must open yourself to genuine criticism. The recent security breach at the boat commissioning was a direct failure of your youth minister and others tasked with ensuring your safety. These individuals failed you, Mr. President, and yet they remain in their positions.
This inability to hold your team accountable reflects poorly on your leadership. Loyalty is commendable, but blind loyalty to incompetence is a disservice to the people of Sierra Leone. Those who cannot perform their duties should be relieved of their responsibilities, no exceptions.
The discriminatory arrests of Fula citizens have deeply shaken our national fabric. Ethnic profiling has no place in a democratic society and sets a dangerous precedent. Mr. President, you must ensure that such actions are not only condemned but also rectified. The security apparatus must be restructured to serve all Sierra Leoneans equally, without bias or prejudice. Our nation’s diversity is its strength, and any attempt to undermine that unity is a threat to our collective progress.
Mr. President, it is time to restore dignity to the presidency. This begins with delegating and empowering your ministers and government officials to perform their duties. By taking on every task yourself, you not only stretch yourself thin but also diminish the importance of the roles your ministers play. Trust in your team, hold them accountable, and focus on the bigger picture of governance and nation-building.
Furthermore, you must prioritize building strong institutions over consolidating power. A presidency that micromanages every aspect of governance risks becoming authoritarian, a path that has never ended well for any leader. Empowering institutions, fostering transparency, and encouraging open dialogue are the hallmarks of successful and enduring leadership.
Mr. President, I write this not out of malice but out of a deep concern for our nation. Sierra Leone deserves better. You have the opportunity to steer the country toward a brighter future, but this requires introspection and a willingness to listen to criticism. Surround yourself with individuals who will challenge you, not just flatter you. Hold your team accountable and ensure that your leadership is one that prioritizes the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans over personal or political gain.
Mr. President, I urge you to reflect on your leadership and the direction in which you are taking our nation. The security breaches, ethnic profiling, lack of delegation, and failure to hold your team accountable are not just minor missteps; they are significant issues that demand immediate attention. Leadership is about more than holding power; it is about inspiring trust, fostering unity, and leaving a legacy that future generations will honor.
