Unite or Perish

Written by Laj-K,
Alhaji K. Tarawally, PhD

As midnight settles over in California on April 27, 2025, I quietly reflect on Sierra Leone’s 64th independence anniversary. It’s a bittersweet milestone for my homeland, evoking pride and profound sorrow.

The challenges facing our nation—rampant corruption, bad governance, a deplorable health system, and persistent electricity power blackouts—continue to burden our people, leaving many without basic social necessities.

Unfulfilled promises have deepened frustration, while youth unemployment, hovering around 90%, highlights a glaring disconnect between our political leaders and the aspirations of the next generation.

The SLPP and APC have dominated Sierra Leone’s political landscape for over six decades, yet unmet commitments mar their record. Essentials like reliable food, electricity, and healthcare remain elusive for too many, fueling widespread discontent.

Now, it’s time for Gen Z and Millennials—those born from the late 1980s onward—to lead the charge. We must transform our frustration into action, moving beyond unquestioning loyalty to these parties that have long treated us as outsiders in our country.

As we mark 29 years of multi-party democracy since the 1996 elections, I call on all Sierra Leoneans to set aside regional, ethnic and partisan divides and critically assess the actual impact of SLPP and APC rule over the last 64 years.

A closer look at their track record reveals a pattern of stagnation:

Ahmad Tejan Kabbah (SLPP):* Served from March 29, 1996, to May 25, 1997, and then from March 10, 1998, to September 17, 2007, totalling 11 years.

Ernest Bai Koroma (APC):* In office from September 17, 2007, to April 4, 2018, for 10 years, six months, and 18 days.

Julius Maada Bio (SLPP):* Elected in 2018 with 51.8% of the vote, defeating APC’s Samura Kamara, and has served for seven years as of 2025.

Collectively, these parties have governed for the entirety of our democratic era, following years of one-party and military rule. Yet, their achievements fall short of the progress we deserve. Daily struggles persist, from affording basic food and necessities to combating issues like drug abuse, water shortages, inflation, corruption, and soaring unemployment.

We’ve defended and voted for the APC and SLPP out of habit, family alignment, regionalism, and ethnicity, ignoring viable alternatives such as the UNPP, PDP, PMDC, and NGC. In doing so, we’ve perpetuated a cycle of empty promises—whether it’s the long-delayed Lungi Bridge, the incomplete Bumbuna Hydro electricity project, or inconsistent free education and healthcare initiatives. It’s akin to confusing salt for sugar: a familiar mistake that leaves a bitter aftertaste.

The time for change is now.* As we approach the 2028 presidential election, let’s break free from this mediocrity by exploring new options. By voting for fresh voices and holding leaders accountable, we can build a brighter future for Sierra Leone.

This anniversary is a call to reflect, unite, and demand genuine progress. Amid the hardships, I feel a deep empathy for those suffering and a shared hope that we can overcome despair and create the change our nation needs.