On the 27th of April, 1961, Sir Milton Margain led Sierra Leone to independence from Great Britain following a formal constitutional conference held in London on April 20th. Sierra Leone has a population of roughly eight million people and is bordered by Guinea to the north and northeast, Liberia to the south and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with a total area of 71,740 km and water of 120 km.
Sierra Leone was once known as the Athens of West Africa due to its educational prowess, but the country has endured a brutal civil war, military interventions, disease outbreaks, peaceful and sometimes radical transition of power, thriving corruption, low human development, poverty, and ultimately a battered image outside of its ostentatious beaches and warm people and culture.
Body politics has been blamed for the woes the country finds itself, sixty-three years on. “Fix the political problems and every other thing will fall in place,” is a famous quote from a former US Ambassador to Sierra Leone.
On the occasion of the country’s 63rd independence anniversary, lawmakers at Tower Hill have shared their reflections on Sierra Leone.
Honourable Rebecca Yei Kamara, representing the governing Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Kono District, and a vociferous women’s rights campaigner who has served two terms, spoke on the politics, development, and women’s empowerment, noting that the country has made some improvements in the area of women and gender.
Hon. Kamara also acknowledged the country’s stride in removing the death penalty from its law books, stating that “I think our democracy has been improved, it has not stagnated.” She acknowledged that hardships are not only akin to Sierra Leone but also affect other countries.
She called on Sierra Leoneans to live in the country in peace and think about what they can do for the country instead of pulling each other down. She emphasized that the people and the government must take equal responsibility to change the nation, as they are almost inseparable.
The highest authorities sociocultural-wise in the country are the Paramount Chiefs, who are the traditional custodians of the land, customs, and traditions. Hon. PC Thor Thor Sheku Marah 3rd, representing the people of Falaba District, expressed concern about the state of disorder in the country, especially regarding the problem of Kush.
The Honorable Parliamentary Representative of Falaba District, Thor Thor Sheku Marah III, reflected on the significance of Independence Day and emphasized the need for a stable and well-ordered nation. He noted that despite being under the age of sixty, he believes that true independence can only be celebrated when the country is in a state of good order.
The Honorable Representative expressed concern about the current state of affairs, particularly the prevalence of the dangerous substance known as Kush. He emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to secure a brighter future for the younger generation. He proposed that the Independence Day celebrations be observed reflectively to demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and highlight the urgent need to combat the harmful effects of Kush.
The opposition exists to provide a checkmate on the government programs, policies, and use of state resources. It is expected to provide an alternative perspective to that of the government, but unfortunately, internal and external political rifts have seemingly undercut the formidability and viability of the only political opposition in the House of Laws.
The role of the opposition in Sierra Leone has been a subject of debate and discussion for many years. Some have criticized the opposition for being too obstructionist, while others have accused it of being a rubber stamp for the government. In this article, Honourable Mohamed Bangura, a ranking member of the opposition All People's Congress (APC) party, reflects on the role of the opposition in Sierra Leone over the past sixty-three years.
Honourable Mohamed Bangura, representing the Karene District, is a prominent and controversial politician who has served two terms in the Sixth Parliament and currently chairs the Foreign Relations Committee. He has also served as a leader of a political party and as a cabinet minister.
Honourable Bangura believes that at sixty-three, Sierra Leone has much to reflect on. He notes that the country has made significant progress in recent years, such as gaining a non-permanent seat at the United Nations. However, he also acknowledges that there are still many challenges facing the country, such as poverty and corruption.
Honourable Bangura argues that in order to change the country's fortunes, the politics and people must change. He believes that Sierra Leoneans need to change their mentality and embrace a more positive and cooperative attitude. He also calls for the government to be more responsive to the needs of the people.
Honourable Bangura's reflections on the role of the opposition in Sierra Leone provide a valuable perspective on the country's political landscape. His insights are a reminder that the opposition plays a vital role in ensuring that the government is held accountable and that the voices of all citizens are heard.
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