Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, has ignited a political firestorm after posting photos and comments about picking mangoes during a government trip to the northern district of Falaba, with critics accusing him of being out of touch while citizens struggle with soaring costs of living.

In a social media thread on Saturday, Sengeh cheerfully described stopping to pick fresh mangoes directly from trees while en route from Falaba.

“On our way from Falaba, northern Sierra Leone, we stopped to pick some fresh mangoes,” Sengeh wrote. “Our government is doing a lot to bring infrastructure and services to the most remote areas across our country. Better roads will unlock agriculture, save lives and improve the economy.”

He later added: “Falaba – ‘the land of milk and honey’ should probably change its name to the land of delicious mangoes 🥭. The best I’ve ever had directly from the tree!!”

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But rather than praise the lighthearted moment, Sierra Leoneans flooded his replies with sharp criticism, accusing the Chief Minister of performative optics while the Bio administration faces mounting public anger over economic stagnation, unemployment, and unfulfilled agricultural promises.

One user, Millicent B. Kamara, wrote: “I was waiting for you to say it is the farm you planted since you set foot in country to benefit the people and give work to the people. Also to process and export like Burkina Faso. Shame on you for this game of show off.”

Another commenter, Ibrahim Mualim A Sesay, drew a direct contrast with First Lady Fatima Bio’s population control campaigns, joking: “Fatima Bio is gathering population while you are gathering mangoes. lol”

Santors Kabbah accused the government of distraction tactics, demanding answers on the stalled Tomabom rice project: “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself and your so-called government? Those mango plants were there before even the former government. Cmon, let’s talk about the Tomabom rice project. Where is the result?”

Others questioned whether Sengeh paid for the mangoes or exploited rural villagers. Conteh Edward Gbanka wrote: “Hmmm surely I believe the mangoes were planted by the community people and hope you paid for them at a fair market price rather than capitalizing on the vulnerability of the villagers.”

Umaru Jalloh offered a sarcastic take on Sengeh’s image: “For stone mango notto decorum O. Ar know say it looks cool, spritely and all, but if you transfer that to public administration, governance and the like… the waste and inefficiency alone, bra.”

A handful of users recalled nostalgic childhood memories. Michael Porter wrote: “Chief Minister you’ve reminded me of those days when we were small boys.” But such voices remained vastly outnumbered by anger.

Sengeh, who holds a PhD from MIT and is known for his digital-savvy governance style, has not responded directly to the backlash.