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Sierra Leonean journalist Edward W.J. Caulker, popularly known as “Dictionary,” has said the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) placed greater emphasis on its 75th anniversary celebrations than on the country’s 65th Independence Day commemoration.
Speaking on Epic Radio, Caulker argued that the ruling party devoted more attention to its own milestone event, raising concerns about national priorities.
“The SLPP prioritised their party anniversary over the country’s independence celebration. Their 75-year celebration seems more important than Sierra Leone’s 65 years,” he said.
He stated that the situation reflects a perception issue, suggesting that focus on party activities has overshadowed the significance of Independence Day. “In fact, the SLPP government put more energy into celebrating their 75 years than the country’s 65 years,” he added.
Caulker questioned the level of public enthusiasm surrounding this year’s Independence celebrations, stating that the occasion no longer generates the same sense of national unity and excitement.
He noted that the timing of the party’s anniversary alongside the national celebration may have contributed to what he described as a blurring between party identity and the symbolic role of the state.
According to Caulker, such developments risk weakening the national character of Independence commemorations and shaping public perception negatively.
The comments come amid ongoing public debate over the significance of national celebrations and the role of political actors in shaping them.
