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Lawyer Basita Michael has raised significant concerns about the state of media in Sierra Leone, claiming that it operates under a regime that is unopposed and unhindered.
In a recent post on her X page, Michael criticized the media landscape, asserting that it is compromised and dominated by sycophants and individuals unwilling or afraid to challenge President Bio or provide him with honest counsel.
Michael highlighted that Sierra Leoneans increasingly rely on foreign media outlets, such as Reuters, Africa Confidential, The Times, and OCCRP, to expose scandals. She pointed to the luxury property acquisitions by First Lady Fatima Bio and her family in The Gambia, a topic that has sparked local discussion but only gained traction through international reporting.
The lawyer also noted the regime’s confrontations with foreign entities, including the mining company OCTEA, and highlighted troubling incidents such as Sierra Leone becoming a transshipment point for drugs. She argued that these issues are gradually shaping President Bio’s legacy, overshadowing any positive achievements during his tenure.
Michael lamented that unrestrained power and corruption have created a situation where foreign entities are acting as de facto watchdogs, stepping in to fill the void left by failing national institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the opposition, and the media. While acknowledging that the motives of these foreign entities may not always be purely altruistic, she emphasized that their presence underscores a failing democracy where accountability and the rule of law are elusive.
In her concluding remarks, Michael called for a recommitment to a free press, a robust and fair justice system, and the rule of law. She urged that empowering citizens, rather than outsiders, is essential for driving accountability and shaping the future of Sierra Leone.
