Commentary by Marcus Bangura
Sierra Leone’s journey toward national unity has been fraught with challenges that span its history, from the colonial era through its post-independence period. On April 27, 1961, the country achieved independence, but more than six decades later, it continues to grapple with deep-seated political, ethnic, and socio-economic divisions. These divisions have significantly stunted Sierra Leone’s progress, preventing the nation from reaching its potential as a unified, prosperous country. Reverend Gibrilla Kargbo, in his work “Overcoming the Challenges to National Unity and Cohesion in Sierra Leone,” highlights these persistent challenges, outlining the root causes and suggesting potential pathways forward. This commentary will explore the historical, political, and socio-economic factors that have contributed to the country’s disunity and discuss the reforms needed to build national cohesion.
Historical Foundations of Division
The seeds of discord in Sierra Leone were planted during the colonial period and became more pronounced after independence. Post-colonial leaders faced the formidable task of unifying a country deeply divided along ethnic and regional lines. Unfortunately, rather than fostering inclusivity, early political leaders exacerbated these divisions. A significant moment marking Sierra Leone’s troubled political history was the arrest of 44 opposition members, including Siaka Stevens, just before independence. This move set a troubling precedent of suppressing dissent and silencing political opposition—an approach that has continued to plague Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
Rather than promoting unity, Sierra Leone’s political elites exploited ethnic and regional identities to consolidate power. The two largest ethnic groups, the Mende and Temne, became politicized, with political parties and leaders often aligning themselves with one group over the other. This led to a political culture where ethnic loyalty overshadowed national interests, fragmenting Sierra Leonean society and laying the groundwork for decades of political instability.
The Impact of the Civil War
Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991–2002) remains one of the most devastating chapters in the country’s history and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked political and ethnic division. The war, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and widespread destruction, was fuelled by long-standing grievances rooted in political exclusion, corruption, and socio-economic inequality.
Although the war officially ended in 2002, its aftermath continues to haunt the country. The root causes of the conflict—ethnic tensions, economic inequality, and political greed—were never fully addressed. The peace that followed has been fragile, with underlying tensions still simmering beneath the surface. Sierra Leone’s leaders have often invoked the spectre of returning to war to suppress dissent, rather than embracing democratic reforms that could foster long-term unity and stability.
The Current Political Landscape
The outcome of Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections further underscored the fragility of the country’s political unity. The elections were marred by allegations of fraud, lack of transparency, and undemocratic practices, exacerbating existing political divisions. The controversy surrounding the results has created significant distrust in the electoral process, leading to the establishment of a Tripartite Commission to investigate the outcome. However, this has done little to mitigate the deep political divides that continue to threaten national cohesion.
Sierra Leone’s political system has long been characterized by a winner-takes-all approach, where the party that wins elections monopolizes power, leaving the opposition marginalized. This system discourages political compromise and collaboration—two essential ingredients for fostering unity. Instead, it has created an environment where political leaders prioritize personal and party interests over national well-being, further fragmenting the country.
Ethnic and Regional Divides
Ethnic and regional divisions remain significant barriers to national unity in Sierra Leone. The country is home to over 16 ethnic groups, but instead of being a source of strength, this diversity has often been manipulated by politicians for personal gain. Voting patterns frequently follow ethnic lines, with political parties drawing support from specific ethnic groups. This creates a winner-takes-all dynamic, where political power is concentrated among certain groups, leaving others feeling marginalized.
These divisions are not only evident in politics but also in resource distribution and economic development. Certain regions, particularly those with access to natural resources like diamonds and minerals, have benefited disproportionately from government policies, while others, especially in the north and east, remain underdeveloped. This regional imbalance has fueled resentment and deepened the divide between different communities, further weakening national cohesion.
Socio-Economic Inequalities
Sierra Leone’s socio-economic landscape is another major factor contributing to national disunity. Despite being rich in natural resources, the country remains one of the poorest in the world. According to a 2019 World Bank report, Sierra Leone’s GDP was just $4.1 billion, a stark indicator of its economic struggles. The benefits of the country’s wealth have largely been concentrated in the hands of a small elite, leaving the majority of the population in poverty.
Agriculture, which should be a major driver of the economy, remains underdeveloped, with most farming done at the subsistence level. This has left rural communities impoverished and disconnected from the broader national economy. Sierra Leone, once a major exporter of rice, now imports much of its staple food, highlighting the lack of investment in sectors that could boost economic growth and reduce poverty.
The mining sector, despite its potential, has also failed to deliver broad-based economic benefits. Poor governance, corruption, and exploitative agreements with foreign companies have prevented Sierra Leone from fully capitalizing on its natural resources. This has left the country heavily dependent on foreign aid and loans, further exacerbating its economic challenges and fueling frustration among its citizens.
Institutional Weakness and Corruption
The weakness of state institutions, particularly in the judiciary and security sectors, is another key obstacle to national unity. Sierra Leone’s institutions have been heavily politicized, undermining their ability to function as neutral arbiters of justice and governance. The legal system, widely seen as corrupt and biased, often serves the interests of the powerful rather than ensuring justice for all citizens.
Similarly, the security sector has been used by political elites to advance their own agendas, rather than acting as protectors of the public. This has eroded public trust in these institutions and made it difficult for them to play a unifying role in society. Without strong, transparent, and accountable institutions, Sierra Leone’s divisions will only continue to deepen.
The Path Forward: Reforms and Reconciliation
To overcome these entrenched divisions, Sierra Leone needs comprehensive reforms that address both political and socio-economic inequalities. Reverend Gibrilla Kargbo advocates for a national dialogue that includes all sectors of society. Such dialogue must prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that all citizens have a voice in shaping the country’s future.
Political reforms are particularly necessary. Sierra Leone’s electoral system should be reformed to encourage proportional representation, which would help create more inclusive governance structures. This would reduce the dominance of a single party and encourage greater collaboration between different political factions.
Economic reforms are equally important. The government must invest in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing to create jobs, reduce poverty, and ensure that all regions benefit from economic growth. Equitable resource distribution is essential for fostering a sense of national inclusion.
Finally, building strong, accountable institutions is critical to restoring public trust. Depoliticizing the judiciary and security sectors will ensure that these institutions serve the interests of all citizens, not just the elite. Only by building impartial, transparent institutions can Sierra Leone begin to heal its divisions and work toward a more unified future.
Conclusion Sierra Leone’s path to national unity has been a troubled one, shaped by decades of political fragmentation, ethnic and regional divisions, socio-economic inequality, and institutional corruption. While the challenges are immense, there is hope for the future. With the right policies, leadership, and a commitment to democratic principles, Sierra Leone can overcome its divisions and build a more cohesive, unified nation. The journey toward national unity will not be easy, but it is essential for the country’s long-term stability and prosperity
