By Francis Kamara
After he took office in 2018, Julius Maada Bio promised a “New Direction” for Sierra Leone. He promised a break from corruption, poverty, and poor governance.
However, seven years on, it has become painfully clear that the hopes he raised have been replaced by frustration and national decline, which has left many Sierra Leoneans with more questions than answers, pondering: what direction did we truly take?
Widespread allegations of corruption, nepotism, and a lack of transparency have consistently marked Bio’s government.
Bio came to power with bold anti-corruption rhetoric.
But after two terms, his administration has proven no better, if not worse, than those he once criticized. Reports of misused public funds, shady government contracts, and unaccountable state institutions have plagued his regime.
As the president launched a much-publicized facade fight against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has often appeared to selectively pursue cases, ignoring serious allegations against government loyalists while focusing on political opponents.
One of President Bio’s most glaring failures lies in the economy. Sierra Leoneans today face some of the worst economic conditions in decades. Inflation has skyrocketed, the Leone has lost significant value, and basic commodities have become unaffordable for the average citizen.
The government’s inability to control prices, create jobs, or support local businesses has driven more people into poverty.
Under the leadership of the Bio led administration, the economy has been crippled.
The cost of living has skyrocketed, with basic commodities such as rice, fuel, and electricity becoming unaffordable for the average citizen. Youth unemployment remains high, and the hope for meaningful jobs has gone into oblivion.
Bio’s administration has blamed global economic shocks, but neighboring countries have shown far greater resilience. The truth? Reckless government spending, poor financial planning, and a lack of investment in productive sectors have deepened the crisis.
The much hyped “Free Quality Education” program, for instance, while noble in theory, has been poorly implemented, underfunded, and politicized, failing to deliver meaningful educational outcomes. While Bio has invested in free quality education, critics argue that the system remains unproductive, poorly managed, and politically manipulated.
The political climate under Bio has grown increasingly tense. Opposition voices have been silenced, journalists intimidated, and civic space restricted.
The police have come under fire for the violent handling of peaceful protests and civil unrest, most notably the August 10th protests, where security forces were accused of excessive force, leading to civilian deaths. Instead of offering empathy or taking responsibility, Bio doubled down, blaming “terrorists” and “foreign influence” while ignoring the cries of the people.
Such heavy-handedness suggests a drift toward authoritarianism rather than the democratic values the president once preached.
Moreover, the recent decision for the president to inaugurate a nightclub amid widespread economic hardship has drawn outrage. Many believe it is a symbol of a ruling elite increasingly detached from the suffering of the people, a “tone deaf” celebration in the face of growing poverty, drug abuse, and lawlessness.
Sierra Leone is not without potential, rich in natural resources, with a resilient youth population and a hunger for progress. But under Bio, that potential has been squandered. Infrastructure projects are either stalled or poorly executed.
The energy sector remains unreliable. Healthcare is still inaccessible to many. And the “New Direction” slogan that once inspired hope has become a bitter reminder of promises broken.
President Bio’s tenure has been marked more by rhetoric than results. For a man who came into power on the wings of hope and transformation, his presidency so far has fallen woefully short of expectations.
Sierra Leone deserves better. As the country looks toward the future, it must demand leadership that is transparent, competent, and accountable. A leadership that prioritizes people over politics. The time for excuses is over. The time for real change is now.
