*LANTERN PARADE SUSPENDED BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT FEARS UNITY*
*By: The Communication Clone*
The government of Sierra Leone has once again shown its deep fear of its own people, choosing to suppress joy instead of fostering unity. The Office of National Security (ONS) has abruptly suspended the highly anticipated Lantern Parade under the guise of “security concerns”— a move that has left many citizens questioning whether their happiness is now considered a threat to national stability.
The Lantern Parade, a historic and deeply cherished tradition, has always been a time for communities to come together in peace and celebration. However, under this administration, any gathering of Sierra Leoneans seems to be seen as a potential act of rebellion. How can a government that was elected by the people now view those same people as threats?
Authorities claim that the parade’s cancellation is due to security risks, particularly linked to a few individuals still at large following the failed November coup. But this excuse raises a bigger question: if the government is so unstable that a cultural celebration can jeopardize national security, then how much control do they really have? Or is this just another tactic to keep people divided and fearful?
This latest move only adds to the growing frustration of Sierra Leoneans who have watched their freedoms slowly erode under this administration. It’s no surprise that Sierra Leone was recently ranked second-to-last in the World Happiness Index — a direct reflection of a government that continuously fails to prioritize the well-being and happiness of its people.
Instead of fostering national pride and togetherness, the government has chosen suppression over celebration, fear over freedom. The people of Sierra Leone deserve better. They deserve leaders who trust them, not ones who see their happiness as a threat.
©️ *THE APC STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS UNIT*
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