By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
On Thursday, in a landmark meeting held at State House, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio assured a prominent delegation of Fula leaders that he would address their grievances with decisive action. The meeting was described by attendees as frank, candid, and, at times, emotionally charged. Those present included the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh; the 4th Deputy Fula Chief, Alhaji Demba Barrie; Alhaji Juldeh Sowe; Sheikh Sulaiman; Alhaji Bailor Focus 1,000; Alhaji Momorma Bah; as well as representatives from the Joint Committee of The Fula Tribal Heads, Tabitaal Pulaaku, the Sierra Leone Fula Progressive Union, and other senior members of the Fula community in Sierra Leone. The delegation’s primary mission was to seek clarity and resolution regarding a recent incident that had caused widespread dismay within the Fula community.
In the days leading up to the meeting, tensions had risen among Sierra Leone’s Fula populace. Rumors circulated that certain directives from the President had been undermined or altogether disregarded by unidentified officials, in a manner that disadvantaged or disrespected the Fula community. These suspicions caused unrest and anxiety, resulting in significant public discourse both on social media and in local gatherings. As the Fula community sought a formal forum to express its concerns, President Bio, well aware of the sensitivity of the matter, wasted no time in inviting the group to the State House to hear them out directly.
From the moment the meeting convened, it became clear that the President himself was visibly aggrieved by what he termed the “subversion” of his order. While no specific individuals or offices were named in the initial discourse, the head of state’s demeanor, as observed by those present, suggested his deep frustration with any figures attempting to thwart his leadership or sow division between him and the Fula people.
According to multiple sources from within the delegation, President Bio expressed fervent support for the Fula community. He underscored that the Fulas remain an integral part of Sierra Leone’s sociopolitical fabric, emphasizing how closely their history and heritage are interwoven with the country’s journey. He reiterated that many Fulas form a part of his extended family network, in both personal and political senses, and that he would never betray the trust he has built with them over the years.
Crucially, President Bio vowed that he “would definitely pay back” in response to those who had undermined his directives. While the phrase “pay back” could be interpreted in different ways, members of the Fula delegation perceived it as a strong promise of accountability and justice. The President’s words, they believe, conveyed his resolve to identify the individuals responsible for disregarding his orders and undermining government authority in a manner that has created friction with the Fula people.
Representatives of the Fula community did not hesitate to speak openly about their concerns. Alhaji Juldeh Sowe, speaking on behalf of the Joint Committee of The Fula Tribal Heads, noted the importance of preserving harmony and mutual respect between the government and the Fula people. He underscored that, while Fulas have historically been peaceful and accommodating, there remains a collective determination to stand up for justice whenever the community’s dignity is challenged.
Sheikh Sulaiman, another key figure in the meeting, emphasized the Fula tradition of loyalty but cautioned that any perceived injustice could erode that loyalty if left unaddressed. He reminded those in attendance that the Fula community, deeply rooted in Islamic principles, places a high premium on justice and fairness.
Throughout the deliberations, the President reportedly listened intently, asking clarifying questions and taking notes. The transparency of the exchange impressed many in the delegation, leading to a sense of optimism regarding the potential outcomes of this dialogue.
President Bio also acknowledged a long-standing belief about the Fulas: they do not easily forget a wrong. Rather than viewing this attribute as a threat, however, he framed it as an important cultural trait that underscores the community’s pursuit of justice and accountability. In the President’s words, this makes the Fulas both admirable and formidable, as they will see to it that matters of importance are not brushed aside or forgotten.
In highlighting this characteristic, President Bio made it clear he stands with the Fulas in defending their rights. He insisted that Sierra Leone’s progress depends on unity among its diverse communities, and any injustice that befalls one group ultimately undermines national cohesion.
Central to the President’s message was his promise to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the recent incident. While he did not publicly disclose a timeline or the names of any suspected individuals, he assured the delegation that once evidence is gathered, he will not hesitate to take “serious action” against the culprits. Furthermore, he guaranteed that whatever measures are taken will be both visible and comprehensible to the Fula community, alleviating doubts about transparency or fairness.
In the coming days, officials are expected to form a committee or task force to look into the alleged subversion of presidential orders. Observers within the Fula community hope that the President’s declarations will lead to swift and decisive outcomes, reinforcing their trust that the administration stands against any form of injustice or sabotage.
As the delegation departed State House, there was a palpable sense of renewed optimism. While past grievances may not be forgotten overnight, many Fula leaders expressed satisfaction that their concerns had at least been heard at the highest level. In casual remarks after the meeting, Alhaji Momorma Bah commended President Bio’s willingness to engage with the community directly, praising his understanding of Fula culture and highlighting the significance of addressing problems head-on rather than letting them fester.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen how the President’s promised “payback” will manifest and how swiftly the identified culprits will be held accountable. Nonetheless, the decisive tone set by President Bio, coupled with the frankness of the dialogue, suggests a proactive stance on protecting and preserving the dignity of one of Sierra Leone’s most influential communities.
For now, the Fula community awaits concrete evidence that the President’s words will translate into meaningful action. Should he follow through as promised, this episode could mark a turning point not only in Fula-government relations but also in the broader effort to uphold justice and unity across Sierra Leone.
