Begging in Sierra Leone is at AN ALL-TIME HIGH. I never anticipated that the population of people who rely exclusively on begging as their source of livelihood would increase to this extent.
Oh, please — wait a moment! I am not referring to SIBLINGS, RELAVTIVES, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, or any ACQUAINTANCE seeking help from you.
I am actually referring to the STRANGERS who have turned begging into a daily business. I am referring to CHILDREN and TEENAGERS on busy streets, at traffic stops, and along highways. I am referring to YOUNG MEN in parking lots directing vehicles and then demanding money afterwards through begging. I am referring to ABLE-BODIED men who splash water on your car without your consent and still expect payment in return; to those who stand by the roadside offering directions you never asked for, yet act offended when ignored. These individuals and their level of entitlement are symptoms of a failed system — one that can painstakingly be studied as a course at any given university.
I am referring to the WELL DRESSED, those who speak good English and still attempt to manipulate or extort money from people. I am referring to SECURITY GUARDS and AUXILIARY/DOMESTIC STAFF/SERVANTS who compromise their obligations by receiving tips without any form of checks. OTHERS claim they have not eaten for days, while some ELDERLY/AGED individuals constantly complain about sickness and hardship. What about “VICTIMS” of illicit drugs? … I need not go there (they’re the worst of it all) 😔
The begging population is unrelentingly increasing with each passing day. In fact, this piece you’re reading now is inspired by an incident I witnessed today around the Jui–Grafton peninsula. A beggar slapped a pedestrian right in front of me simply because the man ignored him while he was begging from him. I felt the impact of that slap as though it had been administered to me instead (but r mark e face 😄).
Police, you say? They were busy pampering an angry trailer driver who accused an officer of blocking his way (can you imagine!). I was astounded by how the driver kept the officer SILENT (so they can actually be this intimidated? Wow!).
Jokes aside, this is becoming a serious social and security concern. Poverty, unemployment, and weak social systems have created an environment in which many people now see public begging as normal. Unfortunately, politicians often appear interested only during elections, while the ordinary citizen continues to struggle daily.
What is even more worrying is that if this growing population of frustrated and idle youths is not properly managed, some could easily be recruited into criminal or violent groups, thereby posing a serious threat to public safety and national security.
For now, I just need to sleep. I have advised the “slapee” either to press charges or forgive the “slapper,” and of course not to forget to apply hot rub to reduce the slap mark while I calm myself and reflect carefully before reacting emotionally (I imagined that the LAWYERS’ SOCIETY BADGE in the car would have been the reason to receive a solid Jet-Li slap – so r geda Mesef en kept smiling throughout everything).
Me, I can’t argue with them, because they are purposely wicked and fully aware of what they are doing.
May Allah rectify our affairs 🤲🏾
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