Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, former presidential candidate of the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), has issued a stern warning to President Julius Maada Bio regarding what he describes as excessive international travel at a time when the country is grappling with severe economic hardship.

In a passionate post on his official Facebook page, Mansaray expressed concern over the growing financial strain faced by the people of Sierra Leone. He pointed out that while President Bio controls an annual budget of over $1 billion (or 24 trillion Leones), many citizens are struggling with basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education.

“Maada Bio! Maada Bio ooh! If we bin know! If we bin know ooh! The people of Sierra Leone are suffering under excruciating hardship,” Mansaray said in his post, using a popular local chant to highlight the gravity of the situation. “You are in control of over $1 billion or 24 trillion Leones yearly, and yet the basic needs of the people remain unmet. What are you doing with the resources of this country?”

Mansaray’s remarks focus primarily on the President’s frequent overseas trips, which he argues are contributing to an unsustainable government expenditure. He called for a reduction in government spending, specifically advocating for cuts in the government’s travel budget, as well as a reduction in the size of the Cabinet and public sector wages.

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“Please! Please! Please, Mr. President, reduce your extravagant traveling, trim down the size of your government, and reduce your wage bill. Make Sierra Leone a better country for its people,” Mansaray urged.

The criticism comes at a time when many Sierra Leoneans are feeling the pressure of rising inflation, unemployment, and basic service shortages. Mansaray’s call resonates with growing discontent in the country over the perceived disconnect between government actions and the struggles of ordinary citizens.