MCC scorecard: the symbolism and our leaders’ attitude to assistance
When we posted a Twitter thread on the MCC Scorecard, we indicated that we would be coming back to the topic from a critical perspective. We wanted to separate the facts from the editorialisation. The immediate reaction was that the scorecard is a good thing—it commits the government to make critical reforms to be able […]
Sierra Leone’s addiction troubles: New highs, new problems and what can be done
Sierra Leone’s drug abuse and addiction problems are not new. But new highs are driving it at a rate that is alarming and dangerous, especially for young people. Viral videos of individuals, apparently intoxicated with drugs, are now seen on social media platforms on a daily basis. The painful sight of young people who are […]
“Caring” leaders do not increase data prices in the middle of an economic crisis
The past week or so has seen a flurry of activity in the motherland: the announcement by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to conduct the 2023 national elections under a Proportional Representation (PR) system; the increase in fuel price; and the government’s scattergun approach to the floor price for telecommunication data services. These are […]
That travesty of a funeral
The Government’s shameful handling of the burial of 27 civilians killed by security forces during the August 10 protests has sparked another public outrage. After keeping them for more than two months, the government decided to bury the remains of the victims in what was officially described as a “state-led” burial. A ceremony that gave […]
Why mainstream opposition is lost in a political labyrinth
Sierra Leone’s mainstream opposition seems to be lost in a political labyrinth. While it is not our business to help them navigate their way out, we acknowledge the important role of the opposition in a democracy. And therefore, it will be helpful to try and understand the behaviour of the mainstream opposition and the possible […]