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Opposition politician Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray has publicly criticised President Julius Maada Bio over what he described as the gifting of a luxury vehicle worth Le2 billion (Old Leones) to the Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Batilo Songa, amid ongoing economic hardship faced by citizens.
In a statement shared on his Facebook platform, Kamarainba alleged that President Bio provided a brand new Toyota V8 Land Cruiser SUV, valued at about Le2 billion, equivalent to approximately US$90,000, to the SLPP Chairman for his personal use. According to Kamarainba, the vehicle is said to carry an SLPP-branded registration number, “SLPP 003.”
Describing the alleged action as insensitive, Kamarainba stated that the move was “heartless even to the SLPP supporters,” arguing that it comes at a time when many Sierra Leoneans are facing severe economic difficulties.
He said citizens across the country are struggling with hunger, economic hardship and what he termed “extreme strangerness,” while political leaders allegedly enjoy a lavish lifestyle.
“They are using the people’s and country’s money to live a lavish lifestyle while the people are struggling, suffering and dying of abject poverty,” Kamarainba said in his statement.
He further urged the public to view a video he posted on his Facebook stories, which he said provides more details on the issue. Kamarainba concluded his statement with a call for divine intervention, saying, “May God heal Sierra Leone.”
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from State House, President Julius Maada Bio, or the SLPP Chairman, Batilo Songa, regarding the allegations made by Kamarainba. The claims could not be independently verified.
