21/10/2024
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh: A Technocrat Unfit to Lead the SLPP in 2028
BY: THE YOUNG GENERATION ELITE WING OF SLPP
As Sierra Leone moves towards the 2028 elections, the debate around potential leadership within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is intensifying. Among the contenders for the party’s future leadership is Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, the current Chief Minister. However, there is growing concern within the SLPP, particularly from the young generation elite wing, that Dr. Sengeh is unfit to represent the party in such a crucial role. Their argument is clear: Dr. Sengeh may be a highly skilled technocrat, but he lacks the grassroots political connection that is essential to lead a party with deep roots in the people of Sierra Leone.
A Technocrat, Not a Grassroots Leader
Dr. Sengeh’s career is marked by impressive achievements in technology and innovation, making him one of Sierra Leone’s most educated and forward-thinking minds. Yet, politics in Sierra Leone is not merely about academic credentials or technocratic efficiency. The SLPP has historically been a party rooted in the people, built on a foundation of support from everyday Sierra Leoneans who identify with its message of inclusion, progress, and unity.
The critique against Dr. Sengeh is that he is disconnected from this grassroots foundation. His leadership style, influenced by his background in science and technology, has been viewed as more bureaucratic than political. While this approach may work in administrative circles, it falls short in a political party that thrives on mobilizing mass support from its members across the country’s regions and classes. Many within the party argue that Dr. Sengeh’s lack of grassroots political experience makes him ill-suited to be the face of the SLPP in 2028.
Opposition to Factionalism: "No to Campism"
One of the loudest voices in opposition to Dr. Sengeh’s potential candidacy comes from the young generation elite wing of the SLPP. They have expressed strong resistance to the rise of factions or “campism” within the party, warning that it threatens the unity and collective identity of the SLPP. For them, the party must be for all members, not divided into camps that revolve around individual personalities or elite cliques.
This sentiment reflects a rejection of what some have termed “Paopanism,” referencing a past era when the party was seen as being dominated by the influence of specific individuals rather than the collective will of its members. The young generation wing is clear: they do not want a repeat of history where internal divisions weaken the party. They argue that Dr. Sengeh’s potential candidacy represents this factionalism, as his supporters appear to form a separate bloc within the party rather than working towards unity.
The SLPP, they argue, should not be driven by technocratic elites or movements that detract from its core values. Instead, the party’s focus should be on strengthening its ties with the grassroots, ensuring that its leaders represent the broad base of its membership and not isolated camps or factions.
The First Lady Should Remain Independent of Political Maneuvering
Another significant concern voiced by the party’s elite wing is the involvement of Dr. Sengeh’s supporters in linking his political ambitions with the influence of First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio. The First Lady has become a powerful figure in her own right, advocating for causes such as women’s rights, education, and healthcare. Her popularity is undeniable, but there is growing discomfort with attempts to use her image or influence to bolster Dr. Sengeh’s political standing.
The message from within the SLPP is clear: Dr. Fatima Maada Bio should not be drawn into factional battles within the party. The First Lady’s work and reputation should remain separate from the political maneuvering of those seeking to climb the ranks of the SLPP. Dr. Sengeh and his supporters have been cautioned to keep their distance from associating their campaign with her, as her popularity should not be exploited for political gain.
Conclusion: SLPP Needs a Leader Rooted in the People
The road to the 2028 elections is still long, but the direction of the SLPP’s leadership is already being debated fiercely. For many within the party, especially those in the young generation elite wing, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh does not represent the future they envision for the SLPP. As a technocrat, he may have brought innovation and development to the table, but his lack of grassroots political engagement makes him an unsuitable candidate for the highest office.
The SLPP has always been a party of the people, and the next leader must reflect that connection. The young generation wing’s opposition to campism and factionalism within the party highlights the need for unity and a return to the party’s grassroots foundations. As the debate continues, it is clear that many within the SLPP believe that the future of the party lies in the hands of a leader who can truly connect with the people, not a technocratic elite.