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Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh has sought to reassure the nation of his confidence in the country’s future, declaring that “things will be fine” despite ongoing political tensions.
His statement comes amid reports of a simmering rift between him and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, which has sparked widespread speculation and public debate.
“Over the last 48 hours, I have come to know that no matter what, things will be fine. That I’ll be happy and safe in Sierra Leone. That the people are with us! That the radical inclusion movement is alive. Most importantly, I know now more than ever that together #WeWillDeliver a more just society,” Sengeh wrote on Facebook.
The Chief Minister’s optimistic message follows a public outburst by First Lady Fatima Bio, who criticized mining company Koidu Limited for what she described as a “disrespectful” letter addressed to her office.
During a protest in Kono on Tuesday, the First Lady accused the company of undermining her authority by copying Chief Minister Sengeh and the Mines Minister in the correspondence, while excluding the Labour Minister, who has been collaborating with her on resolving workers’ issues.
“Who is David Sengeh for Koidu Limited to write to me and copy him?” the First Lady demanded, addressing a jubilant crowd. “The company knows I engaged them on the directives of the President, who has full confidence in me to fight for my Kono people without taking bribes. This is utter disrespect.”
Although the First Lady did not directly attack Sengeh, her remarks have fueled speculation about an unresolved misunderstanding between the two. The tension reportedly dates back to 2024, when President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio publicly praised Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for his role in securing Sierra Leone’s $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact. This came after Sengeh had earlier claimed credit for the achievement, attributing it to a crucial one-hour meeting he held with a Congressional staff member.
The alleged rift deepened in October 2024, when the First Lady posted a cryptic message on social media, seemingly targeting an unnamed individual. “Just because I don’t call you out on your fakeness, doesn’t mean I don’t know about it. Don’t mistake my silence for stupidity. We run things, things don’t run us. Wait and see,” she wrote.
Since then, supporters of both figures have engaged in heated exchanges online, with some allegedly targeting the First Lady.
In January, the Chief Minister distanced himself from these attacks, emphasizing his commitment to respect and civility in his New Year’s message. “I want to be very clear that nobody is abusing the First Lady or any other woman or man in my name,” he stated.
While the root cause of the conflict remains unclear, political analysts suggest it may be linked to the 2028 presidential race, in which Sengeh is rumored to have an interest. He has already founded a political group, the Radical Inclusion Movement, to support his potential candidacy.
Dis woman no know dae kin position way e dae so or odat na ihn na dis country
CM, you can not weaponize your position to undermine the wirkings of your fellow cabinet members simply because they have join your Radical Inclusion which still in an illusion stage. My advice is you sit on the old mat to make a new mat. Hiring young SLPP youth to vervally attack some senior partisans will destroy your ambition to the flag bearership.