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.

APC's leadership in parliament is determined to take the bull by the horn. David Sengeh the government's chief minister ...
03/03/2026

APC's leadership in parliament is determined to take the bull by the horn. David Sengeh the government's chief minister is on record for spewing countless hateful and disrespectful statements against the major opposition party in the country. Whenever the opposition presents its concerns to the government, there's always a pushback. The government does not care about the opposition's concerns despite several appeals to reconsider an appointment that has raised eyebrows and profound doubt.

In a Facebook post, Sengeh called the opposition a disgrace. His statement was unfortunate, especially at a time when the political impasse and polarization is quite alarming. Sierra Leone's political sphere is volatile, it's like a keg of gunpowder placed near a furnace. While the agreement for national unity was meant to quell the tension in the country and build a backdrop for dialogue and consensus-building, the government is doing everything within it means to renege on its commitment. The opposition's concern about the questionability of the appointment of Edmond Alpha as Commissioner of ECSL has been been swept under the rug by the government.

David Sengeh has never showed the APC respect. He has been deploying disrespectful adjectives to describe the defiance of the opposition in regards to fundamental governance issues captured in the agreement for national unity.

We applaud Hon. Abdul Kargbo for standing his ground and making it emphatically known that even though they are open to dialogue but they'll not engage Chief Minister David Sengeh because he has showed utter disrespect to a party that is respected by millions of Sierra Leoneans. Such an affront from chief minister requires a tougher reaction. And Hon. Abdul Kargbo is up to the task.

Chief Minister David Sengeh is one man who has been on the receiving end of brutal criticisms and condemnation for utter...
28/02/2026

Chief Minister David Sengeh is one man who has been on the receiving end of brutal criticisms and condemnation for utterances many have referred to as immature, unpleasant, and disrespectful both to the people of Sierra Leone and his counterparts in the main opposition APC party.

He is on record to have constantly referred to the opposition as unprogressive at any given opportunity when his ideas or dictates are not adhered to. Sengeh who still occupies the seat of Chief Minister, continues to marshal his plans of becoming Maada Bio's successor. And his thirst for power has been questioned on multiple occasions when his insinuations have otherwise suggested that Maada Bio's government haven't been able to perform at an optimal level because of some weaklings within the system. Questions of conflict of interest have been raised countlessly, and some pundits have even asked him to step aside and focus on his campaign to become the next SLPP flag-bearer. Yet, he still continues to serve in that position and he continues to be discourteous to the opposition party who he sees as a hindrance to his selfish agitation.

When Edmond Alpha was appointed by the president to head ECSL and conduct the next elections in 2028, the APC objected to his appointment citing the government's failure to fulfill a clause in the Agreement for National Unity which is the blueprint that emerged from the Tripartite Committee dialogue on peace and national cohesion. As a result, the APC did not take part in Edmond Alpha's parliamentary approval and they have vowed to stay out of parliament and every other local council until the right thing is done. This move by the APC didn't go down well with David Sengeh. He didn't hide his displeasure when he took to Facebook to call the leadership of APC in parliament a "disgrace". Such a statement from the government is uncouth and far from what one would consider a statement of peace and dialogue.

Sengeh has continuously made senseless and disrespectful statements to a party that is supposed to be partners in the governance spectrum of the state. Their disapproval of the appointment of Edmond Alpha should not warrant a brazen disregard for their concerns by the ruling government. Such an act only does one thing; it widens the political divide in the country and pushes the country closer to state of implosion. If care is not taken and cool heads do not prevail at this tragic time, this nation will drift rapidly into a state of chaos creating uncertainty of what the future holds. The SLPP have banked on constitutional uprightness to justify their decision to ignore the agreement for national unity and proceed with an appointment that will eventually cast a dark cloud over Sierra Leone. In their bid to hold on to power, they are determined to ignore every laid down agreement they ever affixed their signature on. This sends a worrying signal to the opposition and people of Sierra Leone.

As APC's withdrawal from parliament and local councils gather steam, we are left wondering what will become of the country in the coming weeks. Will the APC ever believe the SLPP and deem them fit to sit across a table and have a dialogue on the issues they continue to brazenly ignore? Even their supporters will be disappointed if they do. The SLPP only understands one language; RESISTANCE. The APC should be firm in resisting them within rightful constitutional boundaries, and they shouldn't cave-in to international mediation because it will only put them in a position of weakness.

The Lawyers' Society of Sierra Leone, an organization which was formed after the electoral travesty that happened at the...
21/02/2026

The Lawyers' Society of Sierra Leone, an organization which was formed after the electoral travesty that happened at the Bar Association election in Kenema in 2024, has unequivocally denounced the appointment of Edmond Alpha as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of ECSL.

As one of a handful of organizations in the country that is apolitical and committed to the protection of the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental human rights, the organization's leadership believe the haste at which the appointment is made, while giving zero consideration to the concerns raised by other relevant stakeholders, is a cause for concern that'll cast doubts on the credibility and transparency of the forthcoming elections.

It could be recalled that the Tripartite Committee was established to inquire into the issues that plagued the 2023 elections and proffer germane recommendations for electoral reforms. The recommendations which were borne out of that engagement require the government and the main opposition party to build a consensus on implementing measures that'll foster electoral best practices and avert a recurrence of the sham elections in 2023.

The Lawyers' Society is imploring key stakeholders to the Agreement for National Unity to engage with the office of the president and advise him to reverse Mr. Alpha's appointment for the good of democracy. It is believed that a great deal of the recommendations in the Agreement for National Unity which focus on electoral reform has not been implemented yet. Therefore, this appointment defeats the purpose of the Tripartite Committee as Edmond Alpha is about to continue in an institution that indisputably needs serious reforms if it is to conduct the next elections credibly, in a transparent and fair manner.

Unfortunately, what we have been seeing so far is a government that is desperate to have its way by any means even if it requires circumventing the agreement for national unity. Such desperation only breeds suspicion and despair within the people. Every attempt that stirs misgivings in the people about the conduct of 2028 elections should be nipped in the bud as soon as it is spotted. The future of our democracy is being tested already. We must rise to the challenge and air our voices of discontent.

Edmond Alpha whose proposed appointment by the President was vehemently discredited by the opposition APC party has fina...
21/02/2026

Edmond Alpha whose proposed appointment by the President was vehemently discredited by the opposition APC party has finally been appointed to conduct the 2028 elections subject to parliament's approval.

When he was proposed about a week ago for the position of Chief Electoral Commissioner, some civil society organizations and members of two opposition parties opposed the move with alacrity. Mr. Alpha is accused of being a card-carrying member of the SLPP, an accusation we haven't been able to verify yet. Furthermore, the timing of his appointment seemed unfavorable and inappropriate at a time when there's a proposed constitutional amendment bill before parliament. Some legal experts have opined that the timing is wrong and if is in the interest of having free, fair and credible election in 2028, then parliament should first address the constitutional amendment bill before it.

In a previous interview granted to some media practitioners, Mr Alpha confidently averred that the next election will not be different from the previous elections the ECSL has conducted. His statement wasn't well received by well meaning Sierra Leoneans and opposition politicians who still contend the outcome of the 2023 elections was marred by a litany of irregularities that have not been resolved to this day.

As a means to thwart the electoral malfeasance in 2023 from recurring, a tripartite committee was setup to develop an agreement for national unity which entails some clauses on electoral reforms that must be adhered to. The APC has made its position clear on this appointment. The party claims it wasn't consulted in the process of appointing the chief electoral commissioner which contravenes the agreement of national unity. Such brazen denial of the opposition party's right to be consulted has cast a shadow of doubt over the government's insistence on pulling through with its plan devoid of the concerns raised. Advocates of democracy and good governance should be wary of such obduracy by the government.

Maada Bio is determined to handover power to the next flag-bearer his party will elect. He has mentioned his desire to see the SLPP remain in power and his actions as he approaches the end of his tenure speak to his intention. We consider this recent appointment as one of many moving parts in an elaborate ploy to tilt electoral advantage to the SLPP. In 2023, the SLPP tested the waters by implementing several measures which disenfranchised opposition supporters in their strong hold. From deliberate logistical constraints to intimidation and threats of violence against APC supporters, the SLPP succeeded in depriving thousands of Sierra Leoneans from exercising their franchise. To this day, those irregularities have still not been addressed.

Going into the next election with a Commissioner who is allegedly a member of the ruling party spells danger for the opposition. This is a man who is poised to show his appreciation to the ruling party for vesting such powers in him. Concerns raised by reasonable political parties indicate there are issues which must be resolved in accordance with the plan for national unity. The APC must resist Edmond Alpha's appointment by all means. Lest they risk experiencing the same problems of 2023, in the next election.

On Armed forces day, President Julius Maada Bio has pledged a 25% salary increment to the army. This comes few weeks aft...
19/02/2026

On Armed forces day, President Julius Maada Bio has pledged a 25% salary increment to the army. This comes few weeks after the army said it was going to recruit 1000 new personnel to augment the present work force within the defence spectrum. In case you're wondering what is responsible for the president's interest in appeasing members of the armed forces with an increment, let's break down the plausible reasons why we believe there's an ulterior motive to all of this.

The next presidential election will probably hold in 2028. It'll be a crucial period in our nation's democratic history as we commit ourselves towards peace and democratic consolidation. But this commitment may not come to pass. Reason being is, the incumbent SLPP government, which has performed appallingly, is determined to continue in power, despite the deafening public outcry of its incompetence and corruption. So how does a government hold on to power even though it isnt sure of an outright electoral victory?

Get the security apparatus in your corner. Appease them by making a few changes to their conditions of service such as salary increment, which is a good morale booster. That is exactly what Maada Bio is doing. As a former soldier, he knows exactly what is required to get the Army's impenetrable loyalty to the incumbent. The APC may consider these new measures germane to empowering the army. But that's not the case. The president is building an army that will.protect his party's quest to remain in power despite its abysmal failure in so many facets of the governance hierarchy.

The police is already within his grip. Once the army falls in line, the SLPP will have the might it needs to go against the will of the majority. Another SLPP rule will destroy this country. The opposition shouldn't let that happen. Therefore, it should present a realistic plan which will position it as a better option over the incumbent. Unfortunately, that's not what we are seeing. APC is currently distracted. They cannot afford to continue in that vein, or they risk handing the next elections on a silver platter to the SLPP.

18/02/2026

Jagaban calls for unity in the APC during a difficult period which has seen their secretary general spend over 100 hours in remand on charges of incitement and public insult.

The arrest, arraignment, and remand of Lansana Dumbuya under the watchful eyes of the SLPP for merely making statements ...
18/02/2026

The arrest, arraignment, and remand of Lansana Dumbuya under the watchful eyes of the SLPP for merely making statements that inferred the 2023 elections which Maada Bio was declared winner, was rigged and stolen from his APC party, has cast a dark cloud over a country governed by the current Chairman of ECOWAS. It raises numerous questions about democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

In a democratic state which is true to the ideals of real democracy, the unfortunate arrest of APC's secretary general shouldn't have happened. When the ruling government resorts to arbitrarily arresting and detaining opposition figures for making political statements which discredits their power, experts of democracy warn that such a situation if not contained, may destabilize the state's body politic.

SLPP is supposed to know that. How on earth would a leader who's providing leadership at the regional level allow such brazen attack on democracy within his territory? The answer to this question is critical. 4 Sahel states have withdrawn their membership from ECOWAS because they believe the regional bloc has outlived its purpose and influence. In order for Maada Bio and ECOWAS to regain their trust, they must prove that the principles they stand for are being protected within member states. You might be wondering if that is the case in Sierra Leone. The answer is obvious.

Although bail has been granted to Lansana Dumbuya, his arrest and detention paints a terrible picture of what life looks like under SLPP's rule. It doesn't undo the obvious political machination that was meant to keep him behind bars for a moment, in order to send a message of strength.

Democracy is the ultimate system of government that gives the people freedom and rights to enjoy. The government should stop toying with.

There is only one flag-bearer aspirant within the that has consistently called on Sierra Leoneans to unite and build a...
15/02/2026

There is only one flag-bearer aspirant within the that has consistently called on Sierra Leoneans to unite and build a prosperous nation together. Dr. Bangura's clarion call for a cohesive nation that is united beyond party and ethnoregional lines portrays him as a man of peace and one who truly understands what the next phase of the country's political dispensation realistically needs.

We cannot downplay the political polarization our country faces. President Maada Bio's has failed woefully to unify the country and quell tensions. State institutions are being used to oppress and violate the fundamental rights of opposition politicians. The civic and political spaces continue to tighten as dissidents are clamped for expressing their thoughts about a regime that is akin to failure. This poses an endemic threat to the soul of our nation.

Speaking about the unfortunate arraignment and detention of APC'S secretary general on three-count charge for public order offences which are bailable, reminded the government that "peace and stability in our nation rely on tolerance, fairness, and strong democratic institutions". He further admonished the government to create a democratic space where political rights are upheld and the administration of justice is done without prejudice. His words carry weight and a profound message unequivocally calling for a nation where civil and political rights are protected, and one in which dissenting voices are not treated like criminals.

Let's not dodge the fact. APC have been through a lot. In this current dispensation, their members have been subjected to persecution and several rights violations. If power changes hand, there is the propensity for revenge and getbacks, and this might keep the nation in a quagmire it'll struggle to come out of for a very long time. That is why so far projects himself as the best among the lot. His message of unity and reconciliation will be transformed into action if he becomes the next leader of the APC. He has showed willingness and commitment to back his words with action. Therefore, in the interest of the nation's future, members of the APC who believe in peace and democracy should support his candidacy for the top position.

The APC need a leader who embodies the ethos of peace and national cohesion. Someone who is passionate about pulling the nation together and working with everyone to change the negative narratives that have tainted the image of this once respected country.

APC's Secretary General will spend the weekend behind bars as an application for his bail in the Magistrate Court was de...
13/02/2026

APC's Secretary General will spend the weekend behind bars as an application for his bail in the Magistrate Court was denied following a three-count charge for statements he made against the president of Sierra Leone at his party's gathering over a week ago.

Lansana Dumbuya unequivocally labelled the president a thief for allegedly stealing the 2023 elections from the APC. In a passionate condemnation of the electoral travesty that happened in the last election, Dumbuya avered his party's commitment to resist all forms of electoral disingenuity and malpractice that gave the SLPP an edge in the 2023 election. His statement at the party's mammoth meeting didn't only attract punitive sanction in the form of a fine from PPRC, it also caught a case instituted by the state.

Although Dumbuya infringed section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act of 2022 which prohibits making statements that are incendiary, abusive, and inflammatory in political gatherings which his party was rightly reprimanded for. In a society were democracy is alive, making political statements which reflect discontent, grievance, and distrust towards the electoral body should not lead to the arrest and detention of a prominent political figure in the major opposition party. Looking at the entire electoral debacle with a profound sense of objectivism, we believe claims by the APC positing that the elections were rigged should have been inquired into.

Foreign and independent observers noted serious concerns about the 2023 elections. These concerns and the opposition's obduracy not to cave-in to sentimental and insincere dialogues was what gave rise to a tripartite committee which bore the mandate to develop a plan for national unity. The writings on the wall have indicated a concern for the lack of transparency, accountability, and forthrightness.

Lansana Dumbuya cannot refute or disown the very words he conveyed to his party's supporters. He won't even harbor such motive because his conviction has been tested over and again, but it remains undaunted firm. Re-emphasizing his conviction and stance on the issue, he reiterated his party's position clearly. The APC still holds on to what they infer as the undiluted truth that the elections were rigged.

The arrest, arraignment, and detention of Lansana Dumbuya raises serious questions about the rule of law and political freedom. His statement posed no harm or threat to the peace. It was made within a political spectrum that does not warrant litigation by the state. Unfortunately, his detention reveals a dark secret about Bio's regime. Freedom of speech is muzzled, and the political space to engage the government is seriously constricted, barring dissenting voices and any form of opposition to government's policies and activities.

Furthermore, this creates a polarizing situation which would have adverse effect on the country's fragile peace and tranquility. The political and civic space should be free and open for citizens and parties to partake freely without the apprehension of getting locked up. However, the present SLPP government is doing everything within its power to poison democracy while it stares at it the eye as it withers into extinction. Should we stand aside and bemoan such atrocity without voicing our concerns? NO! You shouldn't either!

Lansana Dumbuya, APC's secretary general has dragged the party into another situation that necessitated a whopping fine ...
04/02/2026

Lansana Dumbuya, APC's secretary general has dragged the party into another situation that necessitated a whopping fine from the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).

As the administrative head of the party and a legal practitioner of over 15 years standing, many would assume his knowledge of the law would guide him from making profane and incendiary statements that would attract sanctions from the Commission that regulates political parties. But he disappointed everyone who had so much faith in him.

This is not the first time statements made by powerful individuals in the APC have attracted fines. Section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act of 2022 unequivocally prohibits the use of profane, incendiary, and inflammatory statements that would disintegrate public order. Political events by parties should not be used as a ground to incite or undermine tranquility. Being a lawyer with so much experience and grounding in the laws of Sierra Leone, Dumbuya's utterances were supposed to be within the prescribed ambit permissible by the Act.

However, he veered from the purpose of the meeting and made statements against the sitting president of Sierra Leone, alleging he is a thief who stole the 2023 elections. Once he ventured into that realm, he automatically defeated the purpose of the Mammoth Meeting the party had convened for its members to admonish them on the lower level election that was around the corner.

Videos have surfaced online showing some members of the executive trying to caution him from venturing further into making statements that would make PPRC come howling with a whopping fine. The writings on the wall was clear, but Dumbuya who seems to be a man that likes to be in the spotlight for controversy, was not ready to back down. He doubled-down on his mission to rile up supporters in making chants that were unnecessary and provocative. He ought to know better, but he didn't care about the ramifications.

There was an agenda for the meeting, but Dumbuya made it entirely about Maada Bio and the disputed 2023 elections which still cast a shadow over our country's body politic. His miscalculation and obstinance will cost the party NLE 200,000 in fine.

Laws are made to regulate conduct, serve as a deterrent, and sanction violations. That's exactly what the Politcal Parti...
04/02/2026

Laws are made to regulate conduct, serve as a deterrent, and sanction violations. That's exactly what the Politcal Parties Regulation Commission is doing in enforcing the Political Parties Act of 2022 in order to create sanity and maintain public order.

APC's mammoths meeting had an agenda. It was a moment when the party's leadership was supposed to admonish its members to conduct themselves within the confines of the party's constitutional provisions as they gear to commence their lower level elections. That was the purpose of the meeting. It wasn't meant to be a charade where Zainab Sheriff would be given a Platform to make statements that deviated from the purpose of the mammoth Meeting.

Once she was accorded that privilege, she went on the rampage to talk about the irregularities that marred the 2023 elections, claiming the peoples' votes were stolen. While her claims have profound elements of truth in it, the timing and place was inappropriate. It was a distraction that tilted focus from the what was discussed about the lower level Elections to the rippling effects that ensued after she made that statement.

PPRC has slammed a NLE 150,000 fine on her, citing a violation of section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act of 2022 which prohibits incendiary, inciting, or inflammatory statements that can undermine public order. Although she contends she was within her right to express her thoughts, PPRC thinks otherwise.

The APC should focus on organising a democratic lower level election with the highest level of transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the party's leadership should be committed to adhering to sections 39(1) of the Political Parties Act by cautioning its leaders who are given platforms to address the general membership to do so within the ambit of the law. They need to show leadership by establishing guidelines which will direct their public engagements, that they would adhere to in order to insulate the party from further fines by the PPRC.

Zainab Sheriff has no position in the APC. As far as we know, she is actually nobody in the party. It is surprising to note that she was given a Platform to address members of a party in which she holds no executive position or whatsoever. Those who granted her access to do so should bow their heads in shame. They are bringing the APC party into disrepute, and they're using their very hands to cause unnecessary distraction at a time when they should be focused on the lower level elections.

What happened at Attouga mini stadium exposes an anomaly within the leadership structure of the party. Speakers were not briefed before they went on stage. They had no coordinated agenda to focus on the purpose of the meeting. Their thoughts were incoherent and mostly directed at the ruling party and the president of the republic. That was a travesty. It defeated the very purpose of the meeting.

"Heal. Unite. Build". That's the message Dr. Ibrahim Bangura coined to kick off his official engagements announcing his ...
31/12/2025

"Heal. Unite. Build". That's the message Dr. Ibrahim Bangura coined to kick off his official engagements announcing his intention to contest for the flag bearer of the APC party. His campaign has accentuated the need for Sierra Leoneans to heal, unite, and build. Why is that?

From Freetown, to Bo, Port Loko and Waterloo, the message calls on everyone to rally round the idea of recuperating from whatever hurt people may have suffered, and then be intentional in bridging the divide, so that the nation can move forward. We have gauged opinions about his message and keenly dissected its relevance. Our findings indicate a crucial virtue which whoever becomes the next president of the Republic must possess. Empathy to transcend the iniquities of those who were in power, whether in government or in the APC party executive, and the desire to build the nation in unison. That's a powerful political rhetoric that will have a positive impact on the country's future if the next president is determined to put words into action.

Dr. Bangura's message may seem simple, but it carries a profound meaning. It informs Sierra Leoneans of the political situation in the country. Building a united nation, where every citizen actually realises his or her full potential, must be every aspiring candidate's aim. The nation's polarisation on political, and ethno-regional lines creates tension that is inimical to peace and security as the next presidential election approaches. That is why the mantra "Heal. unite. Build." is a powerful message that will change minds.

Dr. Bangura's passion to orientate every national to embrace peace and unity before and after the next election is admirable. He is defusing something that may explode and cause massive danger to the nation's future progress and development. We see him charging into the new year with the vigour and zest to win more support as the APC party convention draws closer.

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