In a few days, Sierra Leone will mark 60 years of Independence from the United Kingdom. As much as the history is somehow unpleasant to tell, yet it cannot be erased that our beautiful country had been colonized by the British. Even though we became Independent in 1961 and the Queen ceased being our Head of State on 19th April 1971 when we became a Republic yet we have maintained very close ties with the British nation.
Sadly however the lifetime partner of our former Head of State (The Queen) Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburg died on the 9th of April 2021, just about a week ago.
What is sad is that we have become a heartless, inhuman and remorseless nation without any regard for human values any more. It is unimaginable that we Sierra Leoneans cannot find it in our heart to sympathise with the British in this their hour of grief. How disgraceful. Since Prince Philip died, we have not seen any sympathy message, starting with an ordinary twitter message from our President. This was the first piece of action but most World leaders. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their “seasoned” protocol officers have either done it in secret – and we would be surprised if they did, but the Presidency has in what has become a pattern adopted a “silent mode.”
The Presidency however in the midst of this sadness received and discussed with the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and gladly twitted about their “glorious” discussions. What a shame. Our government fails to realise that despite the cut back on funds and through thick and thin, Britain has remained to be our biggest multi-lateral donor. Britain has been there for Sierra Leone through the war and even through Ebola. They have supported us through high level diplomacy in the UN, for distribution of resources through the EU (before Brexit) and have continued to steadfastly support the rebuilding of our military (through IMATT), our Police (through the Commonwealth of which the Queen continues to be the Head) and many more.
Our question is how did we become such a heartless nation? How did we come to lose all our wonderful human feelings of empathy which had made us one – if not the most likeable West Africans?
Tomorrow Prince Philip will be laid to rest. On behalf of our readers, contributors and advertisers, and on our own behalf (Awoko Staff) we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Queen and her family through the British High Commissioner H.E. Simon Mustard.
At 99 years, a span of life has ended, we pray that the good Lord will grant his Soul Eternal rest.
Adieu Prince Philip R.I.P
Our Condolences to the Queen and family