The year, 2023 will not be forgotten quickly by Sierra Leoneans because of several notable events.

Some of them include a series of significant events that not only left a lasting impression but also exerted a profound influence on the socio-economic and political landscape of the country.

Among these noteworthy occurrences are the internal crisis within the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), the iconic fall of the historic cotton tree, the contentious 2023 general elections, governance boycotts and subsequent peace agreements, fluctuations in data, electricity, and fuel prices, the sentencing of popular rapper Boss La, the money laundering saga involving Samuel Wise Bangura, the release of WASSCE results, the ‘Big Fish’ killing, and, not least, the recent foiled coup attempt.

In no specific order, Sierraloaded presents a compilation of 20 major events that not only saturated the public discourse but also stimulated the political awareness of Sierra Leoneans, commanding substantial attention in the media throughout the outgoing year.

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2023 Election

The pivotal event in Sierra Leone for 2023 was the General Elections conducted on June 24th. These elections aimed to elect the President and members of Parliament, marking a crucial moment in the country’s political landscape.

In the 2023 General Elections in Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio secured re-election with 56% of the vote, while his party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party, obtained 81 parliamentary seats. The main opposition, the All People’s Congress, won 54 seats. However, the election was marred by controversy as the APC contested the results, alleging significant irregularities, and demanded a rerun.

International observers, including those from the European Union and The Carter Center, highlighted statistical inconsistencies in the published presidential results. They urged the electoral commission to release detailed polling station data for public scrutiny to ensure transparency. Several nations, including the United States, Britain, Ireland, Germany, France, and the European Union, supported calls for greater transparency in the electoral process.

Governance Boycott

The aftermath of the 2023 elections in Sierra Leone saw the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), make a significant decision to boycott governance. Following their claim of widespread irregularities in the election process

They refused participation in legislative and local governance, demanding fresh elections within six months, claiming the results favored the ruling party unfairly. Accusing electoral authorities of bias, they sought the resignation of key figures and condemned what they saw as an attempt to manipulate election outcomes.

The APC candidate, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, also rejected the results on social media, terming it an assault on democracy.

President Bio and ICC Prosecutor Meeting

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone held a crucial meeting with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Asad Ahmad Khan KC, during the 2023 United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Before the meeting, there were speculations that the meeting may be related to human rights issues in Sierra Leone. This follows a leaked invitation letter that made rounds on social media. However, the government denied the claims.

At the end, the discussions revolved around strengthening cooperation, deepening regional dialogue, and Sierra Leone’s role in the ICC, particularly its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

President Bio emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting accountability, human rights, and supporting the ICC within its mandates. Both parties expressed readiness to collaborate during Sierra Leone’s tenure at the Security Council, aiming to contribute to a fairer and safer world.

Peace Dialogue

Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has agreed to end its non-participation in governance following a peace post-election dialogue.

According to a signed agreement released after the three-day dialogue, the APC will end its non-participation in governance, and the President, in consultation with the APC, will constitute a cross-party committee on electoral system and management bodies review.

The agreement also states that the government will release any persons arrested, detained, or imprisoned for alleged election or civil protest informed by the list to be submitted by the APC. Similarly, the government will discontinue all politically motivated court cases against the APC, other parties, and their supporters based on a list to be submitted by the APC and other parties. Read the full agreement here.

It would be recalled that the APC had previously rejected the June 24 election results, citing significant irregularities and breaches of electoral procedures. As a result, they opted out of participating in governance across various tiers, including the legislature and local councils.

The dialogue was facilitated by the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Commonwealth, following the request of Sierra Leone’s Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC).

Attempted Coup

In a startling event in 2023, Sierra Leone faced an attempted failed coup in November that shook the nation. The morning hours in Freetown were disrupted by intense gunfire when armed assailants raided the crucial armory near the heavily guarded presidential villa. Dozens of attackers also targeted two prisons, freeing over 2,000 inmates, as revealed by Col. Sulaiman Massaquoi, the acting head of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service.

Information Minister Chernor Bah labeled the assault as an attempt to overthrow the elected government, catching security forces and citizens off guard in the typically tranquil capital of Freetown. In response, the government imposed a nationwide curfew and initiated a manhunt to apprehend the militants. President Julius Maada Bio assured the public of the security forces’ successful repulsion of the attack, asserting government control over the situation.

The international community condemned these attacks as efforts to disrupt the country’s constitutional order, while Minister Chernor Bah categorized the event as an “attempted coup.” The nation grappled with the aftermath of this alarming incident, underscoring the significance of the government’s response to maintain stability and safeguard democratic processes.

Kandeh Yumkella Returns to SLPP

Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, the former leader for the National Grand Coalition Party (NGC) made an official return to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) on the 15th October 2023.

History recalls that in the lead up to the 2023 general elections, both the NGC and ruling SLPP party embarked on forming a “progressive alliance.” This alliance was formalized in a ceremony on April 23, 2023, with the agreement document endorsed by Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, the NGC leader, and President Maada Bio of the SLPP.

The core intention behind this alliance was to establish a unified government, granting ministerial and other key roles to NGC members, provided President Bio secured the presidential election victory. In alignment with this agreement, the NGC refrained from introducing a presidential candidate for the 2023 elections and also abstained from contesting in parliamentary and local council seats within SLPP strongholds.

Following the elections, Kandeh Yunmkella lost his parliamentary seat but was rewarded with a cabinet position as the chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security.

His return to the SLPP has been regarded by many as a call of hope for a more unified and collaborative political environment, focused on the betterment of the nation with special efforts reflecting to the SLPP.

CABINET RESHUFFLE

The cabinet reshuffle has been randomly moving within different ministries. In a Public Notice published on Monday, July 10, 2023, President Bio announced the appointment of new cabinet ministers who will begin their operations immediately in his second term mandate.
The list of appointed ministers, deputies, and other officials reflects President Bio’s prioritization of women in his appointments, which was seen by many Sierra Leoneans as a fulfilment of his commitment to women’s empowerment during this administration. The Chief Minister for the Republic of Sierra Leone, David Moinina Sengeh has referred to the cabinet and appointments made by President Julius Maada Bio as the youngest and most inclusive in the history of Sierra Leone

PROTEST

Key amongst the protests in the year 2023 was the September 11 protest in the nation’s capital, Freetown and other parts of the country for which the Sierra Leone Police arrested more than 70 individuals. Although the State Security and authorities communicated that those behind the said protest and the reason (s) for the protest remained unclear, messages that surfaced on social media indicated that the economic crisis in the country continues to hit harder on the ordinary man and taking to the street is called on the government do something that will bring change. The Sierra Leone Police also issued a press release referring to the protest as illegal, warning all to refrain from it, and also stating the consequences that might befall defaulters.

Kush Crisis
In 2023, a concerning trend has emerged in Sierra Leone, with the consumption of a local contraband substance known as ‘Kush’ becoming the most fashionable behavior among young men. What initially seemed confined to unemployed youth has transcended social boundaries, drawing the participation of respected individuals in society.

This year has witnessed a surge in social media posts featuring Sierra Leonean youths, seemingly under the influence of ‘Kush,’ engaged in bizarre behaviors such as stand-sleeping on the streets in broad daylight. The pervasive influence of this substance has led to a disturbing number of fatalities, as many young lives have been lost on the streets of Freetown and across the country due to its consumption.

Law enforcement has responded by cracking down on the illicit trade, leading to numerous arrests of individuals involved in selling or importing the ‘Kush’ substance. The Sierra Leone police have been actively working to curb the spread of this dangerous trend, recognizing the severe consequences it poses to the nation’s youth.

As the year unfolds, the nation grapples with the social and health implications of the ‘Kush’ epidemic, prompting a collective effort to address the root causes and find solutions to mitigate its impact on the community.

Kamarainba’s Release

On September 8th, 2023, the Sierra Leone Court of Appeal made a significant decision by granting bail to Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, the former Presidential Candidate of the ADP, who had been serving an extended sentence at the Freetown Pademba Correctional Center. Kamarainba’s release stirred a wave of joy and celebration among the nation’s citizens, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s legal landscape. Many expressed gratitude towards the government for its role in granting him freedom.

The decision sparked discussions about justice, political implications, and the evolving legal landscape in Sierra Leone. Kamarainba’s release is poised to have a lasting impact on the political dynamics of the nation as it navigates through the complexities of governance and the rule of law.

Data, Fuel and Electricity Tariff Increase

In 2023, Sierra Leone grappled with a severe economic crisis, sending shockwaves through the nation as the cost of essential commodities soared. The impact was particularly felt in the telecommunications sector, where mobile data prices witnessed a noticeable surge. This escalation left citizens grappling with increased expenses for staying connected in an era heavily reliant on digital communication.

Fuel and electricity prices also experienced a substantial uptick, compounding the economic challenges faced by Sierra Leoneans. The surge in fuel prices added pressure to transportation costs and daily livelihoods, affecting both urban and rural communities. Simultaneously, elevated electricity prices strained households and businesses, amplifying concerns about energy affordability.

New Airport Opening, Air France Exist

This year, 2023 Sierra Leone Government opened a new operating Airport and also Air France suspended their operations in Sierra Leone

On March 4, 2023, Sierra Leone achieved a significant milestone with the introduction of a state of the art airport terminal by the government. Located on the northern side of the runway, near the eastern end in Lungi town, the terminal promises enhanced efficiency and modern amenities for air travelers. A formal management agreement was established with Summa Airport (SL) Ltd., solidifying a strategic partnership for the facility’s operation and management.

Subsequently, on March 25, 2023, the airport celebrated a noteworthy achievement by officially opening its doors to passengers. The event generated widespread enthusiasm, with expectations that the new infrastructure would boost Sierra Leone’s connectivity and contribute to economic growth.

However, amidst the celebrations echoing across Sierra Leone, Air France made an unexpected announcement of indefinitely suspending flights to Sierra Leone due to low passenger volume and high taxes. The suspension of airline operations took effect in October 2023, and this decision followed closely after the inauguration of the country’s newly constructed airport.

All People’s Congress (APC) Leadership Crisis

The High Court had previously instructed Former President Ernest Koroma and his executive members to convene a national conference where the party’s draft constitution will be approved to pave way for a new national executive committee to be elected, but with one caveat – Koroma and his executive members must take no part in discussing and approving the constitution.
Koroma, through his Lawyer made an appeal to set aside that ruling, pleading that it affects their human and constitutional rights. But Judge Fisher thought otherwise, insisting that his ruling banning Koroma and his executive committee from taking part in the national conference must stand.
While reacting to the ruling, the National Reformation Movement (NRM) who had previously withdrawn its suit against the APC Leaders vowed to join forces with Alfred Peter Conteh who was locked in legal battle with the party.

APC CONVENTION

The High Court of Siera Leone s lifted the injunction placed on the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party and the Transitional Interim Independent Elections Management Committee (TIIMEC) from holding its National Delegates Conference.
The convention went ahead on February 18th, 19th and 20th. Recall that the High court Judge of Sierra Leone, Justice H. Bonnie on Wednesday placed an interim Injunction restraining the party from holding the convention pending the hearing and determination of an application filed by a party member.
However, the Judge withdrawn her order on the grounds that the earlier injunction did not affect the party.

Dr. Mathew Wilson Samura Kamara officially won the Presidential flagbearer election of the opposition All Peoples Congress Party (APC) for the June 2023 presidential election.

Kamara was announced as the winner of the flagbearer election after defeating 16 other candidates at the party’s national delegate’s conference in Makeni .
The election results read; Dr Alimamy Thonkla Bangura – 5 votes; Susan Bona – 6 votes; Paolo Conteh – 10 votes; Omrie Golly – 21 votes; Abubakarr kalokoh – 6 votes; Bassie Kamara – 0 votes; Alikalie Kamara = 1; Dr Richard Conteh – 88 votes; AUK – 10 votes; Petito Koroma – 12 votes; Dr Kerifala Marah – 58 votes; Kemoh Sesay – 10 votes; Mohamed Madi Sesay – 3 votes; Mohamed Turay – 3 votes; Momoh Vandi – 6 votes while Dr. Mathew Wilson Samura Kamara got 1,382 votes.
Kamara was the Presidential Candidate for the APC party in the 2018 general Elections in Sierra Leone. But He made the declaration to re-contest under the party in the 2023 presidential election with the theme: ‘Build back Sierra Leone’, where he promised to enhance this through the improved cost of living for citizens, national cohesion, and fighting corruption among other issues.

WASSCE FAILURE

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Conrad Sackey confirmed that the Ministry received the results for the 2023 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
After an unprecedented period of delay, the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) was released o amidst a number of concerns by students, parents, and educators alike.
243,000 students took the WASSCE 2023 examinations in Sierra Leone earlier in May. They include 115,033 males and 128,170 females
According to Sackey, the results for 28 private schools that owe WAEC were not on the list sent to the MBSSE. 33,238 were without results as the results have been withheld while another 6,658 had no results as they were absent from all subjects.
The breakdown shows that 551 candidates obtained a credit grade or better in at least five subjects but did not obtain a credit in English Language or Mathematics.
233 candidates obtained a credit grade or better in 5 subjects including English Language but did not obtain a credit grade in Mathematics.

 

Big Fish Killing

In the afternoon hours of September 21st, 2023, a distress news break as local hip-hop artist, Mohamed Massaquoi popularly Big Fish was shot to death by a security personnel at the Central Business District of Freetown after snatching a gun from a female OSD officer at the United Bank of Africa (UBA) and started firing in the air where he came across a military officer who shot him to death.

A few hours after his death, a joint press statement was released by the Sierra Leone Police and the Office of National Security (ONS) shedding light on the incident.

A few days after the incident, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) sent a consequence message to the family of Big Fish indicating that they would set up a board of inquiry to determine whether the action of the military man was in line with national safety or personal safety, assuring that the board has already constituted, and the public would be informed soon on the outcome.

It’s been about two months now since the RSLAF made their statement and no report is yet to be seen by the public.

 

 

Samuel Wise Bangura

Popular former African Young Voices (AYV) journalist Samuel Wise Bangura issue of money doubling surfaced to the public after he was allegedly rubbed at Wilkinson Road in Freetown during broad daylight and catered away with $7,000, iPhone 14 pro max, and several bank is cards.

After criticisms from different people, a video of Bangura allegedly involved in money-doubling act surface the internet but later claimed it was a clandestine investigation that his former institution promised to also investigate.

After about two months, AYV issued a statement parting ways with Bangura in a mutual agreement also indicating that Bangura was acting in private investigations which variance with AYV Editorial Policy on Investigative Journalism; Conflict of Interest contrary to the AYV’s Public Engagement, Coverage, and Production (CAP) Policy.

 

Cotton Tree Fall

On the 24th of May 2023, the people of Sierra Leone woke up to the distressing news that the historic and symbolic cotton tree in the center of Freetown collapsed after a heavy downpour, causing damage as it fell on a running taxi.

The incident sparked many controversies among the public as some linked it to supernatural beliefs.

President Bio in his response to the unfortunate incident destined the cotton tree as a symbol of liberty and freedom by early settlers, adding that it’s a great loss to the nation

The president made a promise to the nation that the government would enact a monument at the exact spot of the cotton tree to give credence to its history.

 

Boss La Sentence

Popular hip-hop rapper Alhaji Amadu Bah Popularly known as Boss La March 2023 was sentenced by Justice Adrien Fisher of the Sierra Leone High Court for nine years after he was found guilty of assault and other charges.

Boss La’s sentence sparked many controversies among the public and entertainers describing his term of sentence as unfair considering the offences he was found guilty of.

After some days of his sentence, Boss La assured his family, friends, and fans that he will return soon after serving his jail term.

After his sentence, the 2023 U.S. Department of State report mentioned the alleged inhuman treatment faced by Boss La in police custody before his trial and sentenced.

 

Drizilik & Broke Ass Bloggers

The year 2023 was fill with mix vibes in the entertainment industry as dramas keeps unfolding regularly.

The issue of artist Drizilik referring to Sierra Leonean bloggers as “broke niggers” will not go unnoticed.

Drizilik who was featured by an upcoming artist, Incredible JJ in a song titled “Freetown referred to Sierra Leonean bloggers as “broke niggers” which sparked online confrontation between him and some bloggers.

Drizilik earlier received many backlash from bloggers for his performance at the BET Cypher referring to his performance as childish.

Days after the release of “Freetown”, some set of bloggers held a meeting in Freetown which raised speculations among the public referring to the cause of the meeting was due to Drizilik utterance against bloggers, though the reason and outcome of the meeting was never made public