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The Miss Sierra Leone 2025 pageant has come under heavy criticism following allegations of tribal discrimination in the disqualification of Miss Kenema, Catherine Kamara.
The accusations, shared publicly by popular graphic designer, photographer, sound engineer, and video editor Sus Beat, who also works at the Office of the President, have sparked widespread outrage and reignited conversations around tribalism in national events.
According to Sus Beat, Catherine Kamara—who was born, raised, and educated in Kenema District—was officially crowned Miss Kenema after a successful audition. She reportedly went through the full selection process, dedicating her time, resources, and effort. However, despite meeting all requirements, organizers of the national competition allegedly disqualified her based solely on her tribe and surname.
“So the organizers of Miss Sierra Leone 2025 disqualified the current Miss Kenema—not because she failed to meet any criteria, but simply because of her tribe (Limba) and her last name (Kamara),” Sus Beat wrote in a public statement.
In seeking clarification, Sus Beat claims he reached out to one of the organizers who responded vaguely, stating only that “the due process was followed.”
What has further fueled public anger is the reported suggestion that Kamara should instead represent a northern district like Karene, despite clearly identifying as a proud easterner. The organizers allegedly justified this recommendation by referencing her surname, which is commonly associated with northern tribes.
“This is beyond unfair,” Sus Beat argued. “We cannot continue to let tribalism overshadow talent, hard work, and identity. We need to do better. We must do better.”
He also raised questions about how contestants with mixed heritage or surnames traditionally linked to other regions would be treated under such criteria.
“If that’s the standard, then they are sending out a clear message that a Limba or Temne girl born in Kenema to a Temne father and Mende mother should never dream of becoming Miss Kenema,” he added. “Or that a Mende girl born and raised in Makeni to a Mende father and Temne mother should be disqualified from becoming Miss Makeni.”
The statement has ignited a flurry of reactions online, with many Sierra Leoneans condemning any form of tribal discrimination and calling for transparency and inclusivity in national competitions.
As of now, organizers of Miss Sierra Leone 2025 have not issued an official statement addressing the allegations.
This incident adds to growing concerns about how tribalism continues to influence key aspects of national life, including politics, education, and now, even beauty pageants.
Advocates are calling for reforms in pageant regulations to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of tribe or background.
These are some of the problems affecting Sierra Leone and we need to change from this act please
As Sierra Leonean susu, born in freetown condem any form of tribal discrimination and calling for transparency and inclusiveness in national competitions. Why should tribalism continue to influence key aspects of national life, including politics, education, and now, even beauty pageants. Let’s say no to tribalism and call for fairness and equal opportunity for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of tribe or background.
Sus man
Thank u very much.God will continue to bless u
I think these are some of the things government should discouraged immediately with no compromise
This is pettiness and hypocrisy of the highest order. Why have you guys not raised a finger of protest when Chief Sam Sumana is treated differently by the APC because he is not from the Northern region? A Catholic reverend father was prevented from taking office in Makeni and not a single voice of protest was heard. What is good for the goose should be good for the gander. Please stop this blatant display of hypocrisy.