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A photograph showing broken windows at Sierra Leone’s State House — the nation’s seat of power — has ignited a wave of public outrage and ridicule on social media, just as the country marked its 65th Independence Day anniversary.
The images, widely circulated on Tuesday, appeared to show dilapidated window frames and shattered glass at the official office and residence of President Julius Maada Bio. The photos were reportedly taken during Independence Day events at State House, prompting sharp reactions from citizens, political commentators, and opposition figures.
Former government minister and prominent social commentator Sylvia Olayinka Blyden expressed shock, posting: “😱 Wow. What a sight. Oh Father Lord! 🤦🏻♀️”
Others quickly drew political conclusions. The Facebook page “The Mighty APC” called the condition of the building “shameful,” writing: “The Office of the President/Seat of Power, and look at the condition. This tells you everything about the current state of Sierra Leone. Maada Bio Very Irresponsible and Reckless.”
Political activist and former presidential candidate Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray launched a scathing attack, alleging that President Bio and his wife have built mansions at home and abroad while neglecting State House. In a post, he wrote: “Maada nor get wan shame. Maada Bio and his wef dae build and buy mansions in and out of SaLone, but den ignore to repair State House. Maada na a disgrace to SL 🇸🇱.”
Another user, Sorie Bolo, drew a sarcastic comparison, stating: “The SLPP party office look good then the state house 🏠.”
Magdalene Davis offered a more measured take, suggesting the building may simply require maintenance: “When you go into a house that someone else has vacated, if it’s not to your standard, you repair, you paint if so needed and you make it to your comfort and needs. Just saying. My two cents.”
One commenter, Jeremiah Destiny Fengai Quee, questioned the identity of the building entirely: “Is this state house or Colombia Davies building?” — a reference to a well-known local commercial structure.
However, not all social media users accepted the photographs at face value. Lahai Samba, while not in Freetown, urged caution, writing: “Can someone please get around the state house and help us with the current status of the building!!! I am not saying Mr. [Mansaray] is lying here!! But this picture might have been taken when the state house caught fire… I heard the state house was under renovation!!”
Samba added: “Some Sierra Leoneans are used to getting into conclusion without clues. Happy Independence Day to you all.”
State House officials have not yet issued a statement clarifying whether the windows shown in the photographs are currently broken, undergoing repair, or part of planned renovation works.
The controversy has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory 65th Independence anniversary, with critics arguing that the physical condition of the nation’s most symbolic building reflects broader governance failures, while supporters of the President maintain that routine maintenance issues are being weaponized for political gain.
