*A Shameful Moment in Sierra Leone’s Democracy*
By Hon. Ibrahim Barrie
Member of Parliament, Bombali District
Friday, 20th December 2024, marked one of the darkest days in our nation’s democratic journey. As Members of Parliament, we swore to uphold the Constitution, defend democratic accountability, and protect institutions that ensure transparency. Yet, we collectively failed Sierra Leone.
The removal of Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce was not only a blow to our democracy but also a mockery of constitutional governance. In a democratic society, institutions like the Audit Service stand as a bulwark against corruption and abuse of power. Taylor-Pearce’s only “crime” was her dedication to exposing the truth, even when it made those in power uncomfortable.
In 2021, I wrote a piece for The Continent – attached to this post, defending Lara Taylor-Pearce against what I believed then to be an unjust suspension. I called her removal a politically motivated move aimed at silencing a credible voice in the fight against corruption. Today, I stand here ashamed to have been part of a Parliamentary process that has now completely stripped her of the role she served with such distinction.
The actions in Parliament were not about accountability or justice but about eroding trust in institutions. The Speaker’s decision to alter the rules to favor the ruling party set a dangerous precedent that undermines the Constitution. It demonstrated how power can be manipulated to silence dissent and weaken our democratic foundations.
As an MP, I am ashamed of the outcome. I am even more ashamed that a few of my colleagues chose to betray the trust of the people who sent us here. To the Sierra Leoneans who believed in us, who trusted us to act in the best interest of the country, I say this: We failed you.
We have lost more than an Auditor-General; we have lost a piece of our democracy. We have sent a message to the world that Sierra Leone, once praised for its democratic strides, is regressing. Liberia, Ghana, and Senegal have shown us what it means to uphold democratic principles, even in the face of challenges. Why can’t we do the same?
But all is not lost. I call on every Sierra Leonean to stand up and demand better. Let this moment be a wake-up call. Democracy is not given; it is earned and protected by the vigilance of its citizens.
Together, we must push for reforms, demand accountability, and ensure that no individual or institution is above the law.
This is not the end of our fight. It is the beginning of a renewed struggle for a Sierra Leone where democracy thrives, institutions are respected, and leaders are held accountable. The current trajectory must change, or we risk the death of our democracy.
To my colleagues in Parliament, remember this: history will judge us. Let us act with conscience, courage, and a commitment to the people we serve.
To the people of Sierra Leone, I pledge to continue fighting for our democracy, for transparency, and for a future where no one can subvert the will of the people.
Let us rise together, for the soul of Sierra Leone.
https://x.com/ibarrie44/status/1870814263029199012?t=r2VK9QtA_VUoYCICjOoblA&s=08
Leave a Reply