By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, what a move! The removal of Orman Bangura as Minister of Youth Affairs is a masterstroke, one that signals you may finally be asserting your authority as the President of the Republic. The question remains: Is this a turning point, or just another political reshuffle without real impact? The people of Sierra Leone are watching closely, hoping that this is the beginning of a more decisive leadership.
If I may, let me offer a suggestion: The youth sector needs a leader with deep experience, credibility, and an unshakable commitment to national development. There is no better candidate than Charles Lahai, a man with nearly 30 years of dedicated service in youth engagement, cutting across all tribal and regional lines. If you are serious about transforming the future of Sierra Leonean youth, then you need someone like him, someone with a track record of real results.
But Mr. President, while reshuffling ministers is an important part of governance, it is not enough. The people need to see more than just personnel changes; they need systemic reforms that improve their daily lives. The youth are growing impatient. They want opportunities, employment, and a clear path forward. Simply changing faces in government without concrete policy shifts will not earn you their trust.
Mr. President, the people of Sierra Leone deserve answers regarding Jos Leijdekkers, the Dutch drug kingpin who allegedly received a Sierra Leonean identity and passport while under international scrutiny. The scandal has embarrassed the nation and exposed serious vulnerabilities in our immigration and security systems.
There are still individuals within your administration and security forces who played a role in facilitating Leijdekkers’ infiltration into our country. What has been done to hold them accountable? The people deserve transparency. Have arrests been made? Have you initiated a full investigation to purge your government of individuals who participated in this national disgrace?
If your administration fails to act decisively, it will send a dangerous message to both Sierra Leoneans and the international community: that criminals can buy their way into our national identity and evade justice. That is not the image we want for our beloved country.
Another pressing concern is the visa restrictions that the United States is preparing to impose on Sierra Leoneans. If this happens, it will be a significant blow to ordinary citizens, especially students, businesspeople, and those seeking medical care abroad.
Have you engaged with the U.S. government to understand their concerns and negotiate a solution? Have you sent a high-level delegation to Washington to plead Sierra Leone’s case? Have you taken a firm stance in defense of your citizens?
The people are growing frustrated with the lack of communication from your administration on this matter. If there is a chance to prevent these restrictions, then you must act swiftly and decisively. If the restrictions are inevitable, then you must explain to the people why this is happening and what steps will be taken to mitigate the impact. Silence is not an option.
While political reshuffles and diplomatic challenges dominate the headlines, ordinary Sierra Leoneans continue to struggle with high living costs, unemployment, and a deteriorating economy.
Prices of essential goods are rising beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Youth unemployment remains a ticking time bomb.
Corruption and mismanagement continue to cripple public institutions.
Mr. President, what is your plan to alleviate the suffering of the people? You promised economic transformation, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. People cannot eat promises. They need jobs, affordable food, and a functioning economy.
The frustration is real, and time is running out. If decisive economic reforms are not introduced, the people’s patience will wear thin.
Mr. President, Leadership is about taking responsibility. It is about facing the people, answering difficult questions, and making tough decisions. You cannot remain silent on issues that directly impact the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
The people need a national address on the Jos Leijdekkers scandal and what actions you are taking.
The people need to hear from you about the U.S. visa restrictions and what your government is doing to prevent them.
The people need clarity on the state of the economy and how you plan to ease their suffering.
Reshuffling ministers is one thing, but it will not restore confidence in your leadership unless it is accompanied by real action. The people are tired of politics as usual. They need a president who will fight for them, who will protect the nation’s dignity, and who will put the country first.
