Renowned Sierra Leonean journalist Thomas Dixon, during a recent interview on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone television show, discussed President Julius Maada Bio’s international travels over the last six months. According to Dixon, the President made 15 trips abroad, some statutory and others discretionary.

Dixon pointed out that while several of these trips were necessary for the President to attend crucial global events like the United Nations Summit, African Union, and ECOWAS summits, others were not essential. “The President has to be there,” Dixon said, referring to statutory trips, “but there are others that are completely discretionary,” he emphasized, citing a recent symposium the President attended, where he was not even the keynote speaker.

In his interview, Dixon highlighted the need for increased accountability regarding the President’s travels, noting that these trips are funded by public money.

He stressed, “It is our money, and it is also good that people are demanding accountability on presidential travelling. What is the President travelling for?”

Dixon raised concerns about the nation’s economic state, pointing to a significant decline in foreign reserves, which fell from 2.7 months’ worth of import cover to a reported 2.4 months, with rumors suggesting an even sharper drop.

He listed some of the President’s travels, explaining the distinction between statutory and discretionary trips. For instance, President Bio’s visit to the World Bank International Development Association summit in Kenya was necessary, as was his attendance at the 63rd Ordinary Assembly of the ECOWAS Heads of State in Nigeria.

However, trips like the one to Paris to speak on clean cooking were classified as discretionary by Dixon. “The Foreign Minister or Ambassador could handle some of these meetings,” he remarked, referencing President Bio’s visit to the United Arab Emirates in March, which he believed could have been delegated.

Dixon also expressed frustration with the government’s progress, stating, “We should not be 82% food insecure.” He referred to a World Food Programme report highlighting that 82% of Sierra Leoneans are food insecure, with 18% severely affected.

He argued that while the government has achieved some successes, such as pledges of over $800 million from international investors, these achievements have not translated into tangible improvements for the majority of the population.

He concluded by stressing that, after six years in office, the government should no longer be taking “baby steps” but should be making significant strides in addressing pressing issues like food insecurity, health indicators, and economic stability.