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Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from various regions of Sierra Leone yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the re-elected President Julius Maada Bio Bio and advocated for a portfolio position.
Representatives from CSOs in the Eastern Region, Southern Region, Northern Region, and Western Area were present at the meeting. They unanimously agreed that Alhassan Komrabai Kamara, the Secretary-General for the Northern Region, would address the President on behalf of all CSOs, highlighting their shared concerns.
The meeting commenced with the chairman acknowledging the presence of President Bio and the Chief Minister, and he called upon his fellow CSOs to extend their congratulations to the President.
The chairman emphasized the CSOs’ request for portfolio positions in the government. He highlighted the diverse expertise within their organizations, including academic doctors, engineers, legal barristers, accountants, agriculturists, and more.
He urged President Bio to leverage the skills and knowledge of these professionals from the CSOs by appointing them to key positions in governance. This, he emphasized, would enable the President to witness the practical realities of operations.
He also noted that the narrative surrounding CSOs had changed since President Bio’s arrival, as they were no longer referred to as the “evil society.” The chairman further added that CSOs were exhausted with mere workshop invitations, asserting that they were qualified and ready to contribute meaningfully. He personally highlighted his own qualifications as a graduate with a BSc degree.
The CSO activist stressed the importance of inclusiveness in any well-functioning democracy and stated that the CSOs were there to demonstrate precisely that. He congratulated President Bio on his resounding victory and commended him for turning promises into reality.
The chairman acknowledged the President’s support for CSOs, noting that the President had allowed their participation over the past five years. He expressed gratitude on behalf of all CSOs for this opportunity.
Referring to the President’s visits to various regions, the Secretary-General for the Northern Region, Alhassan Komrabai Kamara, expressed appreciation for the President’s efforts to reach every corner of the country during his campaign.
Kamara drew a parallel with the United States, highlighting the respect for democracy exhibited by the American people in choosing their government.
Kamara extended his congratulations to the security apparatus in the country for their dedicated service during the elections. He expressed gratitude to the Office of National Security (ONS), the Fire Force, security agencies, and prison officers who served as polling agents.
He praised President Bio as a role model and a leader sent by God for the people. Kamara highlighted the President’s commitment to visiting various communities, such as Kerena, Port Loko, and Kambia, emphasizing that President Bio had visited Kambia more than any previous President in the country’s history.
Highlighting the CSOs’ significant contribution, Kamara stated that they had employed and deployed the largest number of CSO observers across the country during the election.
He acknowledged the positive impact of the President’s Free Quality Education program, which had benefited numerous Sierra Leoneans. Many schools had become government-assisted, and additional teachers had been recruited.
Kamara emphasized that CSOs had witnessed the practical implementation of the Free Quality Education program and called on the presidency to strengthen civil societies in the country.
He stressed that CSOs acted as the government’s eyes and ears, promoting inclusiveness and gender equality, as exemplified by the President’s enactment of the gender empowerment bill.
Concluding his address, Kamara urged President Bio to go beyond mere recognition and invitation to meetings. He emphasized that this term, CSOs desired portfolio positions through which they could actively contribute and provide essential filters for governance decisions.
If CSOs are given portfolio in he government, which group will now bring out position papers on critical governance issues in the country should the government tend to go bad? The CSO in the country will automatically be politicised which should not be the case.
No doubt why these useless CSO group are there quietly and say nothing about the bad things that’s happening in the country
So now we know why you useless CSO group are silent without doing ur job properly
That’s why they always say nothing goes for nothing
You guys saw all d killings, police brutality and the way and manner in which the judiciary of Sierra Leone and the ECSL has brought disgrace to our beloved Nation you never speak on behalf of we the people you’re representing
Not know that you guys are quiet because of positive for you selfish interest
Please please President Bio
You really need to denied the request they asked for not for today but u need to think for the future of Sierra Leone
Coz if u allow the CSO to have position in Governance who knows the time Sierra Leone will have a bad Governance system who would stand on behalf of we the citizens
Remember if today the CSO ask for position and you grant Dem such position tomorrow some Human rights organization will also ask for the same position
Title: Analysis of Democracy Violation by President Bio, ONS, and CSOs in Sierra Leone.
My name is Joseph Bio
Introduction:
Democracy is a fundamental principle that allows citizens to exercise their rights in decision-making processes and guarantees fair representation. However, recent actions by President Bio, the Office of National Security (ONS), and some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Sierra Leone have raised concerns regarding potential violations of democratic values. This critique will shed light on these violations and their implications for the country’s democratic progress.
1. Suppression of Opposition Voices:
President Bio’s government has been accused of suppressing opposition voices and stifling political dissent. This is evident from the harassment and intimidation faced by opposition leaders and their supporters. Such actions not only curtail freedom of expression but also create an environment that hampers the functioning of a vibrant democracy.
2. Lack of Transparency and Accountability:
Transparency and accountability are crucial pillars of a well-functioning democracy. Unfortunately, both President Bio’s government and the ONS have demonstrated an apparent disregard for these principles. Decision-making processes have been shrouded in secrecy, and crucial information is often withheld from the public. Such actions undermine citizens’ trust in the government and weaken democratic institutions.
3. Restriction of Freedom of the Press:
A robust and independent media is vital for the functioning of a democracy. However, the Bio administration has been accused of suppressing media freedom through detentions, violence, and intimidation of journalists critical of the government. This violates the principles of free speech and hampers the public’s access to information necessary for informed decision-making.
4. Manipulation of Elections:
The integrity of elections is paramount for a healthy democracy. Regrettably, allegations of election manipulation have marred President Bio’s administration. Claims of voter intimidation, irregularities in the registration process, and biased state media coverage create doubts about the fairness of the electoral system. Such actions undermine the democratic process and weaken public trust in the government.
5. Limited Engagement with Civil Society:
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a vital role in promoting citizen participation and holding governments accountable. However, some CSOs in Sierra Leone have been accused of being partisan and lacking independence when advocating for democratic values. This compromises their ability to effectively challenge government policies and ensure democratic practices are upheld.
Conclusion:
President Bio, the Office of National Security, and some Civil Society Organizations in Sierra Leone should be cognizant of the growing concerns regarding democracy violation. It is essential for the government to prioritize