Dissent

Dissent Dissent is a pro-democracy hub that promotes free speech and the rule of law. Dissent is the platform to read those critical views.

DISSENT

Description: This is a page that will be publishing different perspectives and opinions on significant issues in society. Dissent also provides a platform to express your views on education, employment, politics, governance, health, sports, development and a lot more other issues that warrant public reaction in Sierra Leone. Humans have different views about a variety of issues, we ofte

n look at these issues from different lenses which brings about the variations that prevail in our opinions. Our aim is to play a fundamental role in the democratic dispensation and the development of Sierra Leone. We believe, one of the things that is very important in consolidating a democracy is promoting dissent and frowning at all forms of censorship. In furtherance of this goal, we also want to remind our followers that articles that will be published here will be in strict compliance with our editorial policy. We do not tolerate or promote hate speech, inciting views, prejudicial articles against ethnic and religious groups, fake news and propaganda.

23/09/2025

David Sengeh, Kandeh Yumkella and Timothy Kabbah share two things in common. First, they all occupy prominent positions in President Bio's SLPP government, and second they are aspiring to succeed Bio as the leader of the SLPP party to contest the next presidential election.

Yumkella is hoping to solve Freetown's electricity crisis and use the result as a leverage to win the party's flagbearer ticket for the next election and to also convince Sierra Leoneans to repose more faith in him.

Sengeh has built a pretty good track record for himself since he was appointed as Minister of Basic and Secondary Education to implement Bio's free education scheme. His performance in that capacity earned his boss' trust and he was later appointed as Chief Minister to oversee the affairs of cabinet portfolios. He still occupies that position while he continues to spread his message calling for radical inclusivity and a more just society where no one is ostracised on basis of tribe, gender, political affiliation or the region he or she hails from.

Kabbah is Bio's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. His role in positioning Sierra Leone in the global governance architecture at the UN and his leadership style which has attracted plaudits from several people, also make him a strong contender to succeed his boss.

As the race to succeed their boss gathers momentum, who do you think is the fittest to be SLPP's next presidential candidate?

Sierra Leone's presidential election isn't far off. At each passing day, this crucial event that'll shape the future of ...
19/09/2025

Sierra Leone's presidential election isn't far off. At each passing day, this crucial event that'll shape the future of the country draws closer. While the current government of Julius Maada Bio isn't liked by many because of the worsening economic situation and suffering, those who are eyeing to succeed him are gearing up to contest for their parties' presidential ticket in the upcoming polls.

Kandeh Yumkella who now occupies an important position in Bio's government and charged with the arduous task of improving electricity generation and supply in Sierra Leone is one of numerous others who is hoping to be the SLPP's flagbearer in the next election. Prior to the 2018 elections, he was competing with Bio for the party's flagbearer ticket. During that period he came under serious verbal and physical attacks which nudged him to leave the SLPP and start his party, the National Grand Coalition. His party gained massive support and eventually became a third force to reckon with because of Yumkella's reputation as an astute diplomat with enormous international support and recognition.

Sam-Sumana wasn't far behind. As a former vice president to Ernest Koroma, Sam-Sumana fellout with his boss after he was sacked by him. He was expelled from the APC on anti-party activity charges. Sam-Sumana formed the Coalition 4 Change party which also gained massive support especially in his hometown Kono where they won a few parliamentary seats.

Although they had formed political parties that were doing well in parliament within a short span after their establishment, these two politicians were convinced that their only hope of realising their presidential ambitions was to return to their previous political parties; APC and SLPP. Both men were welcomed and readmitted. But will their readmission give them a chance to contest for the flagbearer position in the SLPP and APC?

APC and SLPP publicity secretaries have addressed the media in recent time. And one of the questions that stood out was "are they qualified to contest for the flagbearer position"?

The two political parties have a clause in their constitution which unambiguously dictates that for one to be qualified to run for the flagbearer position, he or she should have been an active member of the party for five, uninterrupted years. By the letters of this provision, Yumkella and Sam-Sumana are not eligible to vie for their parties' highest position. However, Sam-Sumana isn't backing down. He has already filed papers at the PPRC to challenge this law because he believes he is eligible to vie for the position. Yumkella on the other hand seems to be focused on his job while his movement continues to amplify his aspiration.

Will both men be able to circumvent this five-year clause hurdle that's before them?

Pursuant to a letter dated 15 September 2025 addressed to Justice Allan Halloway from the Office of the President, the S...
16/09/2025

Pursuant to a letter dated 15 September 2025 addressed to Justice Allan Halloway from the Office of the President, the Supreme Court judge has been suspended by president Julius Maada Bio pursuant to section 137(6) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No. 6 of 1991. This constitutional provision gives the president the unfettered power to suspend a judge of the Superior Court of judicature when he is before a disciplinary tribunal, pending the recommendations of that tribunal. In the event the president is advised by the tribunal to remove the judge from office, he or she shall be so removed.
Justice Halloway in a lengthy missive to the Chief Justice Komba Kamanda a month ago had expressed his dissatisfaction about issues pertinent to his remuneration and special benefits as a judge. He allegedly labelled his ordeal in the hands of the Chief Justice as a flagrant violation of the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and vowed to seek justice for the unfair treatment meted on him.
His suspension came into effect immediately, thereby barring him from performing any functions as Judge of the Superior Court of Judicature. The president's decision to suspend him was informed by an advice he received from the Judicial and Legal Commission. History has it that whenever the president suspends a public officer, he or she never gets reinstated. Will Justice Halloway's case be different? We can't say for sure, but we will follow this matter to see how it ends.

With President Bio's flagship programme facing threats of an imminent strike action by teachers as the new academic year...
08/09/2025

With President Bio's flagship programme facing threats of an imminent strike action by teachers as the new academic year commences, the government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education have taken measures to avert a potential strike action.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has informed the general public in a press release that it has responded to the proposed strike action by Sierra Leone Teachers Union which was supposed to have commenced today.

According to the ministry, the government has transferred over 82 million (85 billion old Leones) for the second and third term outstanding school subsidies to several commercial banks for onward disbursement to schools. The ministry has also informed the public of a joint committee that has been setup to look into the issues raised by SLTU and propose tangible solutions.

In addition, the ministry has called on parents, teachers, and school authorities to exercise patience as it works assiduously to address the issues.

We will be observing this latest move by the government to see if it'll prevent teachers from downing their tools and staying home.

President Bio campaigned on a promise to make primary and secondary education free in Sierra Leone.When he was controver...
06/09/2025

President Bio campaigned on a promise to make primary and secondary education free in Sierra Leone.

When he was controversially declared winner of the 2018 elections, he sprung into action and launched the free quality education scheme which opened free access to education nationwide. More children got enrolled in schools. Although the scheme itself isn't free of criticisms, as many have described it as lacking quality, this hasn't deterred global admiration.

For the FQE to be successful, teachers at the heart of it have a crucial role to play. They should be well paid and motivated and school facilities should be in good conditions to enhance effective learning for all. Unfortunately, the government have always had issues with teachers' wages and school subsidies. Schools rely on subsidies. Without subsidies they cannot function properly.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union have informed the government they'll be commencing a strike action starting on Monday 8 September 2025 as a result of government's inability to pay second and third term school subsidies and their refusal to reinstate and offset salary backlogs of genuine teachers who were unfairly removed from the payroll.

The school year has already begun. A strike action at this time will only hamper the right to education which every child must enjoy without any hindrance. Will the government resolve this issue and encourage the teachers to suspend their proposed strike action?

The Secretary General of the APC Lansana Dumbuya Esq. has admonished Alhaji Sam-Sumana not to proceed with his decision ...
06/09/2025

The Secretary General of the APC Lansana Dumbuya Esq. has admonished Alhaji Sam-Sumana not to proceed with his decision to take the APC to the PPRC concerning his eligibility to contest for the flagbearer position.

Dumbuya said it is not ideal for the party to be embroiled in any legal feud at this time because it would be a distraction as it prepares for the forthcoming national elections.

To give a brief background of the Sam-Sumana saga, the former vice president was expelled from the party based on anti-party activities. He later founded his Coalition for Change party which contested in the 2018 elections and even won a few seats in parliament.

However, Sam-Sumana later expressed his desire to return to the APC and he was eventually readmitted. According to Lansana Dumbuya getting readmitted is different from reinstatement. From what we were able to grasp from his statement, it seems Sam-Sumana' s readmission into the party means his APC journey is starting afresh as a new member. And for any member of the party to be eligible for the flagbearer position or any position in the national executive, that individual should have clocked a specific number of years as an active member of the party.

In this case, Sam-Sumana's readmission cannot be inferred to mean reinstatement. During the interview, Dumbuya conveyed some wise words of admonishment to the aggrieved Sam-Sumana who is determined he will not rest until justice is done. Dumbuya has called on Sam-Sumana to help the party to win the next election. He encouraged him to focus on building his status within the party and helping the party achieve its cause.

In his closing remarks, he said the APC always rewards those who work for it and if Sam-Sumana works for the party, he'll be reward one day.

Is the former sacked vice president Alhaji Samuel Sidique Sam-Sumana on the verge of dragging the All People's Congress ...
04/09/2025

Is the former sacked vice president Alhaji Samuel Sidique Sam-Sumana on the verge of dragging the All People's Congress Party into another legal battle?

Sam-Sumana spoke to his supporters yesterday at a gathering that was well-attended. Amidst doubts about his eligibility to contest for the flagbearer position based on the newly promulgated APC constitution of 2022, the former vice president who was eventually sacked by his boss Ernest Koroma and expelled from the party, has vowed not to rest or tire until justice is done.

In a resounding address, he informed his supporters that he has filed papers at the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) to challenge the APC and put it to strict proof that he is eligible to be in the race for the party's premiere position leading to the 2028 presidential elections.

Sam-Sumana revealed to his supporters that he had to take legal action against what he dubbed an unconstitutional dismissal as vice president in order to "protect the sanctity of the constitution" which he swore an oath to protect before assuming office. In his logical statement, he reiterated that he didn't take the APC party to court rather it was the government of Sierra Leone as a result of an unconditional move which contravened the Grundnorm of Sierra Leone.

Likening APC to his father's house, Sam-Sumana bemoaned his expulsion from the party, alluding he was expelled from his rightful place wrongfully but he's back where he truly belongs.

Will his quest for justice drag the APC into another legal stalemate that will cause a distraction from the huge task ahead in 2028? Let us hear your views.

The race for the flagbearer position in the Sierra Leone's People Party (SLPP) is getting pretty contentious and intrigu...
03/09/2025

The race for the flagbearer position in the Sierra Leone's People Party (SLPP) is getting pretty contentious and intriguing. The SLPP which is in power currently wants to maintain its position as the party ruling Sierra Leone. The party's leadership has on many occasions expressed its determination to win the next election. In fact, the incumbent president was on record challenging his party's supporters to work assiduously in ensuring they become the first party in Sierra Leone's history.

While his assertion about SLPP becoming the first party to achieve such a feat was hastingly refuted by prominent journalist Sylvia Blyden, the determination to walk the talk was quite evident.

Several names of prominent members within the SLPP have emerged as contenders for the party's enviable position. From Kandeh Yumkella and Alie Kabba, to David Sengeh - the country's chief minister. The latter has been more intentional about his aspiration to succeed his boss as the next president.

Coining the phrase 'Radical Inclusion' which he says is a movement that caters for everyone devoid of the person's background, David Sengeh's ambition has garnered more support within the party. Many have labeled him the president's 'blue eye boy', implying Maada Bio's fondness of him which might indicate he has an edge over the other candidates that would be vying for the position of flagbearer. Is that really the case?

Today, the country's foreign affairs minister Timothy Kabbah intimated the nation that he's also eyeing the presidency. Timothy Kabbah is an experienced diplomat whose demeanor and character have impressed some quarters of the country's population. Free from theatrics, controversy and online backlash unlike his colleague David Sengeh, his announcement today has opened the race for the flagbearer position wide open.

His statement today marks the beginning of his quest for the covetous position in the SLPP and the country. Many would agree that Kabbah has been more composed and sensitive in how he carries himself as a minister, staying off social media drama and keeping his focus fixated on his job. But for Sengeh, you just need to visit his page to underscore the animosity and discontent some of his social media utterances have created over the years.

Both candidates have a special place in Maada Bio's heart as many have alleged. The major question is; will he choose Sengeh over Kabbah? Or will Sengeh's performance as chief minister give him an edge over the other candidates? Will Kabba's personality and output give him a little nudge that'll ignite a second force within the party? Too many questions with little or no answer. But the race is on. We'll keep our followers posted!

©Dissent

We wish our followers a happy new month.
01/09/2025

We wish our followers a happy new month.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura's visit to his hometown Mambolo on 30th August 2025 was a symbolic move that portrayed him as a lead...
31/08/2025

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura's visit to his hometown Mambolo on 30th August 2025 was a symbolic move that portrayed him as a leader who has a profound connection with his cradle. Aspiring for the highest position in the APC party, it was only befitting that his people hear his message of hope, unification and future development from the horse's mouth. It epitomised respect and humility from a man who is on a mission to pull the country together and forge a bright future for his compatriots.
His visit to Mambolo was graced with pomp and pageantry. Supporters cladded in t-shirts bearing his message lined the main highway leading to his hometown, giving him a grand welcome - one never seen before. He thanked his people for gracing his presence with such ambience and optimism, and then proceeded to convey his message to them.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura elaborated at length on his plans to unite the APC and position it on a firm ground for the 2028 election. Furthermore, he assured his supporters that the wait for good and transformative leadership in Sierra Leone will be over once he assumes the presidency. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to foster unity and peace and join hands in making the 'heal, unite and build' mantra a reality.
The event was climaxed with contributory statements from prominent APC members who are rallying behind Dr. Bangura and stoutly supporting his aspiration to lead the party into the next election and consequently becoming the next president of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

On the 22nd of August 2025, the leading flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Ibrahim Bangura (DIB...
24/08/2025

On the 22nd of August 2025, the leading flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Ibrahim Bangura (DIB), held a crucial engagement with a cross-section of APC Bo District Regional and Constituency Executives at the Bo Coronation Field.

The meeting, which drew a large turnout, was chaired by the APC Bo District Chairman, Comrade Alimamy Kather, who warmly introduced the executive members in attendance. In his remarks, Chairman Kather reaffirmed his leadership’s unwavering commitment to the vision and mission of Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, assuring the audience that the Bo District APC remains solidly behind him in his bid to secure the standard bearer position at the 2026 National Delegates Convention.

Speaking at the gathering, the former National Publicity Secretary and former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication, Comrade Cornelius Deveaux, expressed gratitude to the regional and constituency executives for their timely show of support and massive turnout. He noted that this was a strong signal of the confidence and trust reposed in Dr. Bangura’s leadership qualities.

According to Deveaux, DIB stands as the most preferred candidate capable of leading the APC back to State House in 2028. He emphasized that Dr. Bangura possesses a wealth of experience in policy reforms, public financial management, peace building, and conflict resolution mechanisms. qualities that are deeply embedded in his campaign agenda, which is anchored on the themes: HEAL, BUILD, and UNITE.

Dr. Bangura himself, in a passionate address, thanked all attendees for their overwhelming support and encouragement. He reminded party stakeholders that his aspiration for the flagbearer position is not just about winning the 2028 elections, but about rescuing Sierra Leone from its current state of economic hardship, miscalculated governance , and social despair under the ruling government.

He stressed the need for unity within the APC, urging members to set aside individual Camp affiliation and instead focusing on the bigger picture of reclaiming State House in 2028. According to him, only a united APC can achieve victory and deliver the transformation that Sierra Leoneans are yearning for.

"In the struggles of APC, there is always victory for us,” Dr. Bangura declared, drawing applause from all present

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura’s vision, backed by his academic credentials, peace and conflict and development expertise, and philanthropic contributions, continue to inspire confidence across the party’s grassroots base. The Bo engagement reaffirmed his growing popularity and the strong momentum of the DIB Movement as the APC prepares for its upcoming National Delegates Convention and, ultimately, the 2028 General Elections.

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