President Julius Maada Bio delivered a candid and unflinching message to Sierra Leone’s youth during the country’s 65th Independence Day address, acknowledging the deep frustrations of unemployment while urging young people to reject drugs, substance abuse, and crime.

Speaking directly to the nation’s young population, whom he described as “the cornerstone of our society,” the President did not shy away from the harsh realities facing Sierra Leonean youth.

“The frustration of finishing school and not finding work quickly enough is real,” Bio said. “The frustration of carrying ambition in an economy that has not yet created enough room for it is real. The temptation to believe that your future lies somewhere else is real.”

The address marked one of the most direct admissions from a sitting president about the scale of youth frustration in Sierra Leone, where a significant portion of the population is under 35 and formal employment opportunities remain limited.

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Bio told young Sierra Leoneans that they “deserve honesty from your government” and “deserve effort from your government.”

He outlined ongoing initiatives in agriculture, education, energy, enterprise, and skills development as pathways that will “open wider pathways” for the country’s youth.

“The purpose of our policies is to improve the life opportunities of citizens,” he said.

At the same time, the President issued a stern warning against the dangers of drug abuse, which has become a growing concern in Sierra Leone, particularly with the rise of synthetic drugs like kush.

“I ask you to reject drugs, substance abuse, and crime, because Sierra Leone needs your strength whole, your judgment clear, and your talent fully alive,” Bio said.

In a notable departure from traditional political rhetoric, Bio positioned young people as active partners in national development rather than passive beneficiaries.

“We are building with you, not for you, and not without you,” he said.

He also encouraged youth to demand accountability from their government.

“I also ask you to hold us accountable,” Bio said. “Demand seriousness. Demand results. Demand a country that makes better use of your gifts. Sierra Leone needs your energy, your ideas, and your determination to demand more from this country.”

The message struck a balance between acknowledging structural challenges and calling for personal responsibility, reflecting the administration’s broader strategy of investing in human capital through its flagship Free Quality Education program while grappling with persistent youth unemployment.

Sierra Leone has one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 60 percent of its citizens under the age of 25 according to World Bank data. However, youth unemployment rates have remained persistently high, with many educated young people unable to find formal sector work.

The President’s acknowledgment of the “temptation to believe that your future lies somewhere else” comes as irregular migration from West Africa to Europe continues, with many young Sierra Leoneans risking dangerous routes across the Sahara and Mediterranean Sea in search of opportunity.