*The Controversial Role of Chief Minister David Sengeh amidst the Crucial Quest for Governance Reform in Sierra Leone*
*Written by:*
Alhaji K. Tarawally (Laj-K)
Ph.D. Candidate (EUCLID, CAR), M.A. IRD (SIU, Germany), MSc IRD (UoR, UK), BA Hons. (FBC, SL),DIP (FBC)
In the heart of West Africa, the Republic of Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads, grappling with the strains of governance and the whispers of a leadership crisis that threatens to undermine the nation’s progress. The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, a figure of growing prominence and political ambition, appears to be steering a course that has raised eyebrows and sparked concern amongst citizens and political analysts alike.
DAVID SENGEH
*Dr. Sengeh, wielding the authority bestowed upon him by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, has been accused of overstepping boundaries and casting a shadow over the roles of his fellow cabinet members.*
In a series of events that have unfolded in the public eye, the Chief Minister’s actions have sparked debates about the stability of Sierra Leone’s executive branch and the future of its governance. The instances are too numerous to recount, but a selection paints a troubling picture.
*Take, for example, the 23rd of January, 2024, when Dr. Sengeh represented Sierra Leone at the UN Security Council’s open debate on the Middle East situation instead of the Foreign Affairs Minister or the UN Ambassador.*
*Let’s also consider his involvement in commissioning the district stores in Kenema, a task typically reserved for the East Resident Minister or the Local Government Minister.*
Such actions have fueled speculation regarding internal dynamics within the executive, particularly between the President and the Vice President. Observers wonder about the absence of the Vice President from public functions where he should ostensibly represent the President, speculating on a possible rift or a lack of trust in favour of Dr. Sengeh.
*In November 2023, we witnessed the Chief Minister’s appointment to launch the APR Forum’s Report on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Sierra Leone.*
*Earlier this year, he led the government delegation on the Agreement of National Unity between the APC and the SLPP.*
*He has also been unexpectedly appointed as the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee for the SLPP. This move has generated internal party controversy due to his non-legal background.*
*Dr. Sengeh’s forays into areas such as the creative industry have further muddied the waters of ministerial responsibility, overshadowing the designated ministries.*
His social media presence and celebrity engagements have attracted attention, but also criticism that they distract from urgent national issues. *The impact of these actions is palpable. With the Chief Minister’s attention seemingly scattered, appointed ministers may feel undermined, resulting in a loss of efficacy in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.*
Meanwhile, President Bio’s international engagements have left a leadership vacuum back home, exacerbating a sense of disarray.
*Sierra Leone faces a litany of pressing issues: the rampant Kush drug epidemic, university strikes, administrative upheaval, crippling electricity shortages, a lack of potable water, environmental degradation, inflation, and under-resourced healthcare facilities.*
These are the very issues that demand focused leadership by the Chief Minister and his supervising ministries. The government’s response, particularly to the drug crisis, has been lacklustre at best, with genuine engagement with the populace seemingly reserved for election cycles.
It is time for young, liberal-minded Sierra Leoneans to awaken to this governance malaise and rally to #FixSalone. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the question looms large:
*Is Sierra Leone teetering on the brink of chaos, or is it merely stumbling through a patch of poor governance?*
The answer lies in the response of its leaders and the activism of its citizens. It is a clarion call for reform, for the Chief Minister to recalibrate his priorities, and for the government to reaffirm its commitment to the people.
*The time for government rhetoric has passed.* Now is the moment for concerted action to steer Sierra Leone away from the precipice of crisis and towards a promising future. It is a call to restore effective governance, to fortify institutions, and to empower every Sierra Leonean with the promise of a stable and prosperous nation.
*Remember, for Sierra Leone, it’s now or never.*
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