2023 Elections: Voter registration hiccups and implications for the electoral process
The registration of voters for next year’s public elections has had a bumpy start. In the first week, staff contended with malfunctioning kits and other logistical problems, while many registrants were left either frustrated or confused. This delivery is clearly the product of a not-so-well-planned exercise by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). Sorry, […]
Deadly flashfloods and mudslides don’t seem to teach us anything
When torrential rainfall triggered flash floods and mudslides in Freetown on August 28, we were left with a trail of destruction, death, and displacement. The outpouring of emotions, condolences, and prayers was overwhelming. Like a scene choreographed from a movie script, the disaster-affected communities were prepared for the visit of our leaders. For the first, […]
The Special Investigation Committee: What was ordered vs what was delivered
On August 24, the President’s office announced the establishment of a “Special Investigation Committee to examine both the immediate and underlying causes, sources of financing, execution and consequences of the insurrection, as well as the response of the security forces”. While many people, local and international human rights organisations have been calling for a full […]
The Jamiru way or the ‘Pao-pa-riat’ route, Mr. President?
When August 10 happened, many people looked up to President Bio to lead the nation out of the horror and fear that gripped the country. There were calls for him to return home and talk to the nation, hoping that he would reassure citizens, diffuse the tensions and chart a path for dialogue. He did […]
Salone Protests: Why the ‘terrorism’ framing is problematic and what we can learn
This has been a tough week for Sierra Leoneans, especially those who lost loved ones in the horrific violence and small business owners who were affected around the country. There has been outrage and a lot of condemnation of the protests and the ensuing violence. Focusing on the events of 10th August alone and framing […]