By Kemoh Saidu Sesay
The recent outburst from Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, denouncing corrupt government ministers as “dogs” who prioritize personal gain over the nation’s well-being has shed light on the country’s persistent struggles with corruption. This scathing rebuke coincides with the release of the 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International, which paints a troubling picture of Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption efforts.
According to the CPI, Sierra Leone ranks 114th out of 180 countries, scoring a disappointing 33 out of 100, a decline from previous years when the nation had made modest progress. This backslide has dashed the hopes of many Sierra Leoneans regarding the effectiveness of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The First Lady’s explosive remarks have seemingly exposed the prevalence of corrupt contracts and misappropriation of resources, which impoverish the masses, stifle national development, and exacerbate societal inequalities. However, it remains uncertain whether her outcry will be met with deafening silence from complicit power brokers.
The reverberating impact of corruption on Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development cannot be overstated, given the country’s economic strain. Systemic graft within the corridors of power has left millions of Sierra Leoneans struggling to survive on a daily basis.
Sierra Leone’s obvious struggle to combat corruption persists at a time when the global focus is on climate change and its related crises. Years of mismanagement, embezzlement of public funds, and misplaced priorities have crippled the nation, leaving it in ruins.
Despite significant donor funding and government pledges aimed at addressing corruption, the menace remains unabated, trapping Sierra Leoneans in a cycle of unending poverty and creating an environment where only those connected to power benefit from the nation’s resources.
