By: Usman Fambuleh
Sometimes, when you look at the way our beloved Sierra Leone is being governed, you are left wondering whether our leaders are running a country or playing a game of “Akpan and Oduma.” The political drama keeps changing its costume, but the ordinary Sierra Leonean remains the same struggling to survive, struggling to pay bills, struggling to educate children, and struggling to make ends meet. Those who hold the reins of power appear comfortable, while the people who put them there continue to carry the heavy burden of taxes, inflation, unemployment and hardship. Is this the Sierra Leone we dreamed of? Is this the country our forefathers sacrificed to build?
A few months ago, the main opposition was loudly complaining that some of the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee had not been fully implemented. The National Unity Agreement, which was described by the government as a “gentleman’s agreement,” became another subject of political disagreement. Then came the controversy surrounding ECSL Chairman Edmond Sylvester Alpha and the calls from the opposition for his resignation. The ruling party stood its ground. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the huge expenditure on the Julius Maada Bio Conference Hall during the ECOWAS Summit attracted criticism from opposition politicians, scholars and members of the public. Then there was the treason case involving the former President, which was discontinued pursuant to Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
Now, here is where the ordinary citizen begins to ask uncomfortable questions.
Why do some of these political storms suddenly become quiet? Why does the noise sometimes disappear just when the public expects accountability? Why do those who were shouting yesterday sometimes become silent today?
On the streets, in homes, in taxis, in offices and across social media, people are whispering one phrase: “Den don pack for dem.” In our local political language, it means that some people may have received something, whether political concessions, appointments, assurances or other benefits to soften their position or remain silent.
Let me be clear: there is no evidence before me to prove that anyone has been bought, bribed or compromised. Rumours are not facts, and responsible citizens must never present speculation as established truth. But in a democracy where public trust is already fragile, rumours thrive where transparency is lacking. When citizens do not receive convincing explanations, suspicion naturally fills the vacuum.
And now, the two-thirds majority interpretation has become the latest political battlefield. Lawyers, politicians, academics and ordinary citizens are interpreting the issue from different angles. The opposition is deeply unhappy, and some have indicated their intention to seek the interpretation of the Supreme Court. That is their constitutional right. But even before the matter reaches the highest court, another question is already circulating among citizens: Can the judiciary truly remain completely independent when the Constitution gives the Executive a role in the appointment of members of the judiciary?
This is not an accusation against the judiciary. It is a question about public confidence. A judiciary may be constitutionally independent, but democracy also depends on citizens believing that justice is being administered without fear, favour or political influence. If citizens lose that confidence, institutions may remain standing on paper while public trust collapses in practice.
And once again, the streets are talking.
“Den don pack for dem.”
Perhaps they have. Perhaps they have not. We do not know. But the very fact that such rumours can spread so easily should worry every serious-minded Sierra Leonean. A healthy democracy should not leave its citizens constantly wondering whether political disagreements are resolved through constitutional institutions or through arrangements behind closed doors.
We must stop normalising this culture of political suspicion.
Because while politicians are fighting over power, the poor are fighting for survival.
The young graduate is looking for a job. The small business owner is struggling to keep the doors open. Parents are wondering how to pay school fees. Families are struggling with the cost of food, transportation and healthcare. Young people are watching their dreams disappear, while some are risking dangerous journeys abroad because they no longer believe they can build a meaningful future at home.
This is the real Sierra Leone.
It is not the conference halls. It is not the political rallies. It is not the expensive convoys. It is not the endless arguments on social media. It is the mother who goes to bed without knowing what tomorrow’s meal will be. It is the father who cannot afford his child’s school expenses. It is the graduate carrying certificates in a plastic folder while searching endlessly for employment.
And yet, election 2028 is approaching.
The political class will soon return to the people with promises, slogans, songs, posters and handshakes. They will tell us that this time will be different. They will remind us of what the other party did wrong. They will ask us to trust them again.
But the question every Sierra Leonean should ask is:
How long will we continue moving in circles?
Some will say, “How for do?” Others will ask, “How long per dis?” But the truth is that Sierra Leone cannot continue like this forever. We cannot keep changing governments while keeping the same political culture. We cannot continue fighting elections while poverty remains our permanent opposition.
APC cannot be the problem forever, and SLPP cannot be the solution forever. Neither party should become bigger than Sierra Leone.
The real patriotism we need today is not blind loyalty to a political party. It is loyalty to the country.
If the APC is wrong, say it.
If the SLPP is wrong, say it.
If the opposition is wrong, say it.
If the government is right, acknowledge it.
If the courts are right, respect them.
If Parliament is wrong, challenge it.
Let Sierra Leone be bigger than APC. Let Sierra Leone be bigger than SLPP. Let the Constitution be bigger than political ambition.
Our country has survived civil war, poverty, Ebola, political crises and countless disappointments. We cannot afford to destroy the little confidence that remains in our institutions.
The tragedy is that the ordinary Sierra Leonean is always asked to sacrifice for the country, while those in positions of authority often appear to enjoy the privileges of the country.
How long per dis?
This is not a call for violence. It is a call for reflection. It is a call for accountability. It is a call for responsible leadership. It is a call for citizens to demand answers without destroying the country we love.
Because when frustration becomes hopelessness, and hopelessness becomes anger, society enters dangerous territory.
Sierra Leone belongs to all of us, not APC, not SLPP, not politicians, not government officials, but the people.
We may disagree politically, but we must never become enemies of our own country.
The time has come for our leaders to understand that power is temporary, but the consequences of bad governance can last for generations.
Let us stop playing Akpan and Oduma with the destiny of a nation.
Let us stop treating public resources as political spoils.
Let us stop making promises we have no intention of keeping.
Let us stop reducing democracy to elections every five years.
Sierra Leone deserves better. The poor deserve better. Our children deserve better. And future generations deserve a country where truth, justice, accountability, competence and political connections determine who gets ahead.
This is our country.
This is our home.
And if we do not speak now, history may one day ask us a painful question:
