By: Usman Fambuleh
At 65 years of independence, Mama Salone stands tall in age but appears weak in strength. She is a mother deeply loved by her children, yet many continue to struggle for the basic necessities that make life meaningful. This is not a message of hate, but one of truth a reality many Sierra Leoneans experience daily.
A responsible mother provides for her children. Food, shelter, education, healthcare, and security are not luxuries; they are fundamental needs. Yet today, many of Mama Salone’s children remain hungry. The cost of living continues to rise while incomes remain low. Families go to bed without adequate meals, market women lament poor sales, and many young people remain unemployed. The economic situation continues to weigh heavily on ordinary citizens.
Electricity supply remains a persistent challenge. In a country rich in natural resources, many homes and streets are still left in darkness. Businesses struggle due to unreliable power, students find it difficult to study at night, and hospitals face operational challenges. Sustainable development becomes difficult in the absence of stable electricity.
The state of the road network presents another concern. Many roads across the country are in poor condition, and during the rainy season, some communities become inaccessible. This affects transportation, increases the cost of goods, and puts lives at risk. National development is hindered when critical infrastructure is neglected.
Concerns around governance and corruption also persist. Resources intended for development are often mismanaged, while promises made during elections are not always fulfilled. This has contributed to a growing gap between leaders and citizens, weakening public trust and diminishing hope.
Economic hardship remains a daily reality for many Sierra Leoneans. The Leone continues to face challenges, the prices of basic goods are rising, and unemployment remains high. Many young graduates leave school with aspirations that are difficult to achieve, forcing them into survival mode.
Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to improve the situation. Development initiatives, policy interventions, and civic engagement continue to offer some hope. However, much more needs to be done, as incremental progress is not enough to address widespread hardship.
At 65, Mama Salone should be stronger, more stable, and more responsive to the needs of her people. This milestone should serve as a moment for reflection, not just celebration—a time to ask critical questions and demand meaningful action.
Mama Salone remains our home, identity, and pride. But genuine love must be accompanied by honesty. For the nation to progress, those in leadership must demonstrate accountability, sincerity, and commitment to the welfare of all citizens.
While Mama Salone at 65 may not yet reflect the aspirations of her people, there remains hope for progress. The journey continues but the question remains: are we ready to address what is broken?
