As Sierra Leone braces up for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in November this Year, the political temperature seems to be on the rise. Post war Sierra Leone has witnessed three Presidential and Parliamentary Elections that were non-violent and were characterized by smooth transfer of power for which Sierra Leone, initially labeled as ‘a jungle’ because of the unprecedented amputations of men, women and children, were highly commended by the international community. We could well be termed as dreamers if we think the same way this time around judging from the venomous and explosive political rhetoric flying around.
It is an indisputable fact that only sustainable peace can support the private sector in propelling a free-market economy that will eventually give well-meaning Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to get a genuine reward for hard work. This is all the reason why peace which by connotation is not only an absence of war or active combat, is non-negotiable and cannot be compromised. In trumpeting the need for violent-free elections and sustaining the peace and development of Sierra Leone, I will like to address the under mentioned:
a) The political class: As a firm believer in the sanctity of the political supra structure, political leaders must be reminded of their obligations to the people. Divisions and disagreements among people competing for power are unavoidable and happen everywhere in the world even in rare one-party systems with the interest of the state being held sacrosanct. Truly, Sierra Leone’s pre-independence delegation to Britain had internal squabbles and disagreements notably between the Sir Milton Margai led group and Siaka Stevens (then a Trade Unionist) as to the timing of demanding independence (i.e1961). Following the granting of independence by the British, the political ball game has always been, between, the Reds (APC), the Greens (SLPP) or the Khaki boys (Juntas).
Restraining myself not to delve into the nitty-gritty of the filth and squalor that ensued, the political assassinations, the executions, coups and counter-coups, the “Ndorbgorwusui War” led by Sullay Rogers in Pujehun District after the murder of a school teacher, Patrick Kemokai and the RUF war led by Foday Sankoh, the political class in Sierra Leone seems not to have learnt their lessons. Instead of regarding political office in Sierra Leone with the spirit of service to Mama Sierra Leone, greed and personal aggrandisement and neglect of the poor and impoverished have characterised the comportment of both politicians and civil servants. This clearly explains why some can even go to the extent of offering human beings as sacrifices and or drinking concoctions from the same cup with Lucifer (Satan) to either attain or retain political power. The primary objective to prevent Sierra Leone from sliding into another round of violence and attendant mayhem to continue on the path of development and pro-poor enhancement squarely rests on the shoulders of the political class.
In our day today, it is amazing to see how politicians switch political camps, allegiances and loyalties in automatic reckless abandon. What I may term as “Political Kolonkoism”-politicians sexing their political jingoisms, is now a weekly if not daily occurrence in our current political play field. I say this from a point of realism and non-partisanship.
In civilized societies in Western Europe for example, where party politics could be likened to a religious creed, to a very large extent being a Republican is a life-time experience as well as being a Democrat. In the United Kingdom, being a Conservative, a Liberal Democrat or a Labour party member could well be a life-time experience. In France, being a Socialist, Republican, Communist or Conservative remains a life time trend. Political affiliations and membership are determined by a set of beliefs, ethos and ultimately national development. In these democracies, it is difficult to see for instance a Democrat transforming to a Republican amidst media pomp and pageantry, or news of opposition party members burning their abandoned political party t-shirts in front of a seating President only for that president’s political party to make news and steer jubilation over it. This is pure political primitivism and a façade reflecting the quality and irresponsibility of the political class. Our own politics, unlike what obtains in the West, where political party’s sustained popularity is dependent on how acceptable their policies are by the people, ours is largely dependent on how people get bread and butter.
The Armed Forces: This institution must stick to its traditional constitutional role of impartiality and defending the territorial integrity of Sierra Leone. They must be the watchers and defenders of the national constitution and ensure the unity and sanctity of the state of Sierra Leone. It is often opined in political circles that the instrument of power is arms, thus the armed forces need not clamour for power any more as it is in their hands. They just need to go by their sacred vows and ensure that peace and quiet prevail with unquestionable neutrality. This once proud and enviable institution needs to be more unflinchingly pro-people and pro-Sierra Leone rather than being pro-political party in power if it should shred off the taint of being highly politicized which has been its hallmark in recent years. The RSLAF must preserve itself as the pride and envy of the nation, being an institution with disciplinary and patriotic traits are worth emulating as true reflections of a true Sierra Leone.
The Sierra Leone Police: Paradoxically labelled “A Force for Good” following a high level institutional surgery led by British-born Keith Biddle and paid for by the Commonwealth, is now a glaring misnomer. It is presently a replica of its old self plagued by the old bad images of corruption, ineffectiveness, inadequate logistics due to misuse of logistical materials which has led to the force being engulfed by low moral and lack of self-esteem amongst personnel. This very crucial governance institution requires rigorous mental orientation if they are to be relevant in the forthcoming elections. Like the RSLAF, the Sierra Leone Police need to be pro-people and pro-Sierra Leone and not pro-political party in power if history is to judge them as the pillars that sustained the peace and development of our motherland, Sierra Leone.
To end this analytical piece in order that I do not seem to open a Pandora’s Box, I will end with the words of Chief M.A. Nanga in Chinua Achebe’s novel, ‘A Man of the People’:
“As from today, we must guard our hard won freedom (peace) jealously. Never again must we entrust our destiny and destiny of Africa (Sierra Leone) to the hybrid class of western intellectuals who will not hesitate to sell their mothers for a mess of pottage”.
Sarcastic as the above quote may sound, it targets the unending greed of the political elites, which has to change or they shall face the collective wrath of the people as already manifested by the Arab Spring demonstrated Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. Corrupt politicians and civil servants should be mindful. The police and the military should not be thinking that with guns and bullets in their possession they continue being preservers of bad governance in the country. With the quest for freedom and good governance now the most needed commodities of the peoples of the world, and with technology now aiding and abetting the fight against bad governance and autocratic rule, I will not be surprised if Sierra Leoneans stand up one day to say NO to some kind of bad governance system over them.
By Ishmail Conteh
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