Dissent

27/01/2025

's story is inspiring. We believe myriads of young Sierraleoneans who have considered football as a career will be motivated and inspired by how Juma rose from the dusty football fields in Sierra Leone and ended up plying his trade in La liga where he captured the attention of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. Even though he grew up in an impoverished country where with zero modern football facilities to develop himself as a player, his unique qualities were easily spotted by European football scouts who paved the way for his transition to European football.

This is a proud moment for every Sierra Leonean. We wish Juma all the best.

25/01/2025

Is Sierra Leone now a haven for drug kingpins evading arrest and imprisonment in their countries of origin for trafficking tons of co***ne and other prohibited drugs? Well, it definitely seems so after western news agencies swamped the media with reports of a Dutch drug kingpin who was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison for trafficking 7 tonnes of co***ne into the Netherlands seeking refuge in Sierra Leone.

According to Reuters, Jos Leijdekkers has found refuge and high protection in Sierra Leone after videos and images of him attending church service with prominent government officials were uploaded online. Sierra Leone is now considered a transhipment point for large volumes of Latin America co***ne headed to Europe.

Quite recently, 7 suitcases of co***ne were confiscated in a Diplomatic vehicle that was headed to Guinea from Sierra Leone. Also, 4 Sierra Leone's were apprehended in Dakar Senegal in possession of illegal drugs. It's disheartening to see Sierra Leone slowly becoming a Narco state were drug kingpins consider a haven and get high protection from top officials. Thousands of the country's youths have died from smoking a synthetic drug called kush and there exist many more other types of drugs flooding the West African Nation which pose dangers to its human resource capital.

What is President Bio and his government doing about this recent scandal that has garnered international media attention?

22/01/2025

The formation of an association of bloggers is a ploy to stifle dissent and propagate political aspirations of some government officials. Since blogging is now an avenue many unemployed graduates have resorted to in earning a living, some politicians are weaponizing these youths and using them to their advantage instead of providing decent jobs and affordable living conditions for the masses. Clearly, these youths and elderly folks dabbling in the social media space are now a pawn in a tumultuous contest for power leading to the 2028 national polls. They won't see the abyss they find themselves in now, but gradually, the fog will dissipate and they'll realise how cheap they sold their rationalism.

In the meantime, let's watch with keen interest how this association will fare.

20/01/2025

MINISTRY OF LABOUR REVOKES OPERATING LICENSE OF TWO OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT RECRUITMENT COMPANIES IN SIERRA LEONE

In a letter dated the 13th January 2025, and addressed to two foreign employment recruitment companies namely DARESALLEM TRAVELLING AND EMPLOYMENT RECRUITMENT AGENCY and OBINANA SL LTD, the Ministry of Labour has informed these companies of its decision to cancel their overseas recruitment license due to several breaches of some provisions in the Overseas Private Employment and Migrant Workers Act 2023.

The above-mentioned companies haven't been complying with provisions in the said statute which regulates their operations in Sierra Leone. According to the Ministry, these companies have been furnishing the Ministry with information that is at variance with their operations and mandates for which their recruitment licenses were issued out.

Therefore, their licenses have been revoked with immediate effect and the public is strongly warned not to do any business with these companies since by law, they are not eligible to operate in Sierra Leone as legal entities.

We have also been informed that some cunning attempts have been made by some officials from the companies in question to grease the palms of ministry officials in order to reinstate their operations in the country. However, those attempts have proved futile as the revocation of their recruitment license is still in force. We applaud the Ministry for putting the interests of Sierra Leoneans first and enforcing compliance with our country's employment laws.

We wish to admonish citizens of Sierra Leone to beware of the foreign employment recruitment companies they consult for employment opportunities abroad. The Ministry of Labour has a database of registered companies with approved recruitment licenses to operate in Sierra Leone. In your best interest, it is advisable to contact the Ministry for guidance and advice.

04/01/2025

As the world is slowly coming to terms with news of another viral outbreak in China, Barrister Mamoud Bah has sounded a cautionary alarm and urged Sierra Leone's health sector to take action now before it is too late.

Here's what he posted on his timeline:

A respiratory virus (HMPV) has been contracted by many people in the Northern provinces in the People's Republic of China and according to International media outlets, there's already an alarming surge in positive cases which have overwhelmed hospitals and health centres.

In case you have forgotten, 5 years ago a Chinese city, Wuhan, received global attention for being the epicentre of the novel coronavirus, which later plagued the world and brought everything to a complete standstill. Initially, the Chinese government downplayed the severity of the Corona outbreak and even muzzled journalists who tried to expose the government's ploy in rolling out a cover-up to keep the world oblivious of the tragedy that had struck in one of their vibrant cities.

In case you haven't noticed, this is the same thing they are doing to elude accountability and expose the world to another potential pandemic.

The Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus is a respiratory virus that attacks the respiratory system and causes symptoms similar to common cold. Some countries are already taking measures to repel any potential case within their territories.

Since we have a large Chinese population in Sierra Leone as well as our compatriots who visit the Asian nation to buy goods, our health sector should implement preventive measures that'll keep our nation safe. COVID was underrated and it later consumed hundreds of thousands of people. We cannot afford to be complacent again.

Act now and prevent another catastrophic health emergency.

13/11/2024

Here are the front pages of some local tabloids.

03/11/2024

16/09/2024

Another tragic event has been recorded today in Freetown, . A with several apartments collapsed this afternoon in the capital city with over 50 people trapped within the rubble. At the moment, 2 deaths have been confirmed with several casualties presumed to be underneath the collapsed building. Emergency rescue is on, but details are sketchy as to how much people they've been able to rescue so far.

3 massive buildings have collapsed within 3 months. This should urge the authorities to take prompt action to prevent further disaster. Inspection of building should ramp up in the city and those found moribund and not fit to be occupied should be closed forthwith and inhabitants therein should be evacuated.

10/08/2024

became the first African to win a gold medal in the 200 meters race at the Olympic games since the games were rebirth in 1896 after Baron Pierre de Coubertin's idea to modernise the games was unanimously approved. It took our continent 128 years to inscribe its name on the list of gold medalists in the 200 meters category. has some of the most advanced sports facilities in the continent. No doubt they played a tremendous part in Tebogo's capability to compete on a global stage.

26/06/2024

On the contentious finance bill 2024 which was before President Ruto for his assent, Mamoud Bah has this to say: " Kenya's president has unequivocally rescinded his earlier intention to sign into law a controversial finance bill that would have astronomically increased taxes on essential commodities which would have heaped a heavy burden on poor Kenyans. The reason for his decision is an open secret. Kenyans took to the street in protest calling on the government to ditch the bill as it was just another weapon to plunge more people into abject poverty. President Ruto had no other option but to grant their request. The people of Kenya won. People who care about their welfare will always oppose bad financial policies or laws drafted and promulgated to stunt their socioeconomic development."

10/02/2024

Hello Followers,
We trust you're dandy. We've been inactive for a very longtime due to some unavoidable circumstances. Having transcended those circumstances, we are fully rejuvenated and focused to bring our readership an array of thought-provoking articles that speak to the numerous governance issues in our governance structure.

WE ARE BACK!

07/12/2023

Front pages of our local tabloids.

03/08/2023

*Unmasking Africa's Looming Crisis: The Menace of Coups d'État and the Quest for Hope*

By Albert Ensa Fornah
( Bookish)

In the heart of Africa, a specter looms large, casting shadows of uncertainty and fear. The continent stands witness to a troubling trend as military coups continue to emerge, challenging the stability and democratic aspirations of nations. The recent announcements by Col. Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea, Capt. Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso, and Col. Assimi Goita of Mali, threatening war against ECOWAS over the ousted President of Niger, send ripples of apprehension across the region.

The rise of military rule in Africa is becoming more pronounced, leaving its inhabitants to grapple with the consequences of failed leadership and systemic issues that perpetuate abject poverty, corruption, and suffering. The failed promises of progress by some African leaders have pushed some military factions to seize control, suspending constitutions and ruling with an iron fist. The question that lingers on everyone's minds is, "Who's next?"

In the span of merely three years, the continent has borne witness to four major coups: Mali (May 2021), Guinea (Oct 2021), Burkina Faso (Sept 2022), and Niger (July 2023). The once-promising hopes for democracy and prosperity seem to dim as coups threaten to become a recurrent nightmare for the African people.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea's leaders, seeking to unite and create the largest military-ruled country in Africa, alarmingly expose the fragility of regional stability. This ambition to consolidate power under military authority raises concerns about the erosion of democratic values, human rights, and the potential for further conflict within the region.

While the situation appears dire, there remains a glimmer of hope for Africa's future. The response to the escalating tensions lies in recognizing the underlying causes that breed dissatisfaction among the masses and drive the military's ambition for power. Corruption, socio-economic inequality, and weak governance are at the heart of this crisis, and addressing these issues is essential for restoring faith in democracy and stable leadership.

A collective effort is required to strengthen democratic institutions and promote transparency, accountability, and good governance. The international community, including organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS, must engage with African leaders to encourage responsible leadership that serves the interests of the people and respects constitutional order.

Africans themselves hold the key to securing their future. The youth, being the majority demographic, have an unprecedented role to play in demanding change and shaping the path towards stability and prosperity. Civic participation, peaceful activism, and holding leaders accountable are the tools that can carve a new destiny for the continent.

It is crucial for the African leaders to rise above self-interest and prioritize the well-being of their nations. The cycle of coups and military interventions can only be broken through a sincere commitment to democratic principles and ensuring that the will of the people is the driving force behind governance.

As the world watches the unfolding events in Africa, the hope for a brighter future lies in the collective will to transform the continent's trajectory. The road ahead is challenging, but it is not without hope. The African people, with their resilience and determination, have the potential to shape a new narrative for their nations, one where democracy, stability, and prosperity prevail over the specter of coups and military rule.

23/05/2023

Today's ...

The nation's ambience is overwhelmed with fierce political commentaries and debates on various platforms. These papers and many more are preoccupied with the ever-evolving political dynamics. We will be giving u a glimpse of the frontpages of our local tabloids as we approach the 2023 elections.

13/12/2022

PROPOTIONAL REPRESENTATION: A PREREQUISITE FOR THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS OF SIEERA LEONE.

Author: Dukullay Bockarie, a final year/ graduating student at the Political Science Department, Fourah Bay College - University of Sierra Leone.

Contact : + 232 78372283
Email : [email protected]

The current political atmosphere of the Sierra Leonean governance and political systems is fashioned by continuous misconceptions, especially about the precept of Proportional Representation or the District Block system as at against the First Past the Post system. Parts of the parliament of Sierra Leone have argued and kicked against it practice. Whereas, others in the well overwhelmingly embraced it.

Members of the public (the ordinary citizens), who hugely rely on their representatives for adequate education on the said proportional representation are totally discombobulated/ confused about it.

Different delegations from countries in the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have viewed Proportional Representation in different perspectives and have equall negatively contemplated on the contemporary issues that hover around the politics and governance of Sierra Leone. To some, they said that, "Proportional Representation is important, but not necessary to be implemented in Sierra Leone_ owing to the fact that, there are already established political constituencies in place."

As Bishop English Peterson asserted in his definition on Proportional Representation, "Is a term used to describe a range of electoral systems in which the distribution of seats corresponds closely with the proportion of the total votes cast for each party or individual candidate. PR offers alternatives to first past the post and other majoritarian voting systems based on single-member electoral areas, which tend to produce disproportionate outcomes and to have a bias in favor of larger groups".

Based on the above, it's, however, significant to expressly say that, there are two forms of Proportional Representation. Which include:

*The single transferable votes*: This system has some resemblance with the alternative voting system. It allocates quota to candidates contesting election. Each voter is expected to number the candidates in order for his preference when the votes are counted. Any candidate that exceeds his required quota, the remaining votes will not be wasted but transferred to another candidate following it. It will continue this way until the number of candidates allocated to the constituency have been elected.

*Multi member list system*: This is a system in which voter’s vote for parties rather than candidates. In this case, political parties prepare lists in the order which they want their candidates to be elected and these names are printed in that order on the ballot pappers. With each having its own ballot paper, a voter therefore selects the ballot paper of a party he wishes to vote for and vote for that party.

Consequent upon the following, it's equally apt to say that, it's left with the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to choose one of the above for the 2023 general elections.

However, the fundamental argument for proportional representation is that, to the extent possible, each voter should have a voice in their representative bodies: national and state legislatures, local boards and councils.

To further appreciate the topic of Bishop English Peterson and equally to advance argument (s) on the precept of Proportional Representation, serving as a prerequisite for the electoral system in the 2023 general elections of Sierra Leone, here are some of the advantages and the disadvantages of it.

*Advantages:*

On one note, more voters are represented.
In single-winner districts, “competitiveness” is generally considered to be a virtue—we prefer districts where elections are not foregone conclusions. But we also observe that the more competitive a single-seat district, the more voters (as many as half, and maybe more) are on the losing side, unable to elect their own representative. With proportional representation, on the other hand, a group of voters need not make up a majority in order to elect a representative. Depending on the number of seats, the threshold for representation can easily be 10–20% of the voters, or less.

Moreover, PR encourages candidate quality and diversity.
When single-seat districts are uncompetitive, the minority party (or other voting group) finds it difficult to recruit high-quality candidates capable of running a competitive campaign, because the outcome of the election is a foregone conclusion. Consequently, campaigns become perfunctory or even non-existent. With PR, on the other hand, a diverse range of candidates is motivated to campaign vigorously, precisely because the election is never a complete “lock” for one group or the other.

More so, representation of diverse views within parties
Voters within our major parties have a fairly wide range of views on many issues. A PR system has the ability to represent that range of view within a party or other voting groups, as well as positions across groups or parties.

Also, it ensures the representation of minority groups and parties.

Redistricting problems
In many states, elected representatives are responsible for drawing their own district boundaries. This leads to abuses, most notably gerrymandering to create “safe” districts for a party or a particular representative. These abuses should of course be corrected. However, when states have reformed their redistricting procedure by putting it in the hands of neutral parties, we find that under the reformed system, incumbents are just as likely to be re-elected, and nearly as many seats are “safe” (non-competitive) as under the old gerrymandered districting.

*Disadvantages:*

*First thing firsts, It is complicated*: One of the major draw backs of this system is that it is too confusing. Proportional representation is a complicated form of election. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand the structure of this kind of system, becauseall the groups in the society are led by different people or political parties.

*Secondarily, It is expensive in nature*: As you may know, systems that encourages wide elections are usually expensive and proportional representation is not an exception in this instance. The system is also very expensive to operate as all the resources of the state can be spent on conducting elections.

*Finally,* Multiplication of political parties: Proportional representation encourages multiplication of political parties which results in election violence. In countries where it is practiced, there is usually violence and crisis during election.

So far, we have looked at the meaning, advantages and disadvantages of proportional representation. However, in my candid opinion as a student of Political Science, whose mindset is far beyond tribal, regional and party politics, I would prefer the use or the application of the Proportional Representation to the First Past the Post system in any political life of a democratic society in the world.

And again, though necessary, but is it timely for Sierra Leone to apply the Proportional Representation in 2023 general elections? A question that more than five thousand (5000) of the population of Sierra Leone asks.

Looking at one point of what I've learnt especially from those that are kicking against it, that, there are already established constituencies in the country and therefore, not timely for the government to use the Proportional Representation.

Also, that, the existing government wants to use the Proportional Representation to let the presidential, parliamentary and other seats to wet in their favour.

In another perspective, especially from the government side, that, they are applying the PR system in the 2023 elections, because the newly concluded census results or satistics that ensure the adequate establishment of constituencies in the country have not yet well been determined.

Also, that the current constituencies in the country are not liberally determined or accordingly distributed.

Finally, that, they are using it as it helps to consolidate or improve the democracy of Sierra Leone most appropriately.

*Recommendations*:

Since Sierra Leone is marred by those unwavering disagreements, miscalculations and misconceptions of the electoral and political systems, I recommend the application of the Proportional Representation suquel the below factors:

> It's just absolutely the best for Sierra Leone's political system at this point-in-time.

> It has been applied in more liberal, wide and complex societies/ countries/ states in the world. Examples are the United Kingdom and the United States of America severally.

> Nonetheless, it helps bridge the wide gaps that are vehemently established in the political systems of Sierra Leone.

By: Dukullay Bockarie, final year/ graduating student at the Political Science Department, Fourah Bay College - University of Sierra Leone.

22/10/2022

NATCOM has directed all mobile network operators to put on hold the implementation of the recent exorbitant floor price per megabyte which was vehemently condemned by the general public. The new prices will be reversed and customers can now buy data at the normal prices.
The move to increase the floor price per megabyte was irrational and inconsiderate in the first place. Sierraleoneans are going through hard times to foot their cost of living, adding another expensive expenditure to the list of basic necessities is a move meant to frustrate the people more. We knew the new prices were untenable and unjustifiable. We applaud the authorities for regaining their senses, even though they caused the people great inconvenience.

20/09/2022

NEC has published a summary of the registration data collated from 80% of the registration centers in phase one of the exercise. We still dont know where the remaining 20% is, but we anticipate further update on that from NEC.
Phase two of the voter registration exercise commenced today and it will span for two weeks. Go out and register. The process is strenuous but be patient and get registered. Your voice matters but it is your vote that will bring the change you crave.

19/09/2022

Is the Bank Governor at his wit's end? Since his redenomination plan came to fruition, the value of our Leone has been depreciating at a very frightening pace. Inflation continues to rise unabated and the economic policies being ushered in to cushion the hardship on the people doesn't seem to be yielding any substantial dividend.
This is the third time the Bank of Sierra leone is embarking on a wholesale foreign exchange auction with no positive economic success to point at. 8 million dollars is up for auction to commercial banks. What impact will this have on the value of our currency that is already in the gutter?