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The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, is grappling with escalating internal discord. Once a united front, the SLPP now faces divisions, with various factions vying for control. Among the key figures caught in this turbulence is Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. As the second-highest officeholder in Sierra Leone, Jalloh’s role in the ongoing SLPP political infighting has become a focal point of speculation, particularly due to his conspicuous silence on controversial issues affecting the nation.
The SLPP’s internal strife stems from a clash of personalities, ideologies, and ambitions. After securing a second term, President Bio is now facing growing challenges from within his own party. A faction is reportedly advocating for a shift in leadership, criticizing Bio’s governance and his approach to national issues. This has led to a power struggle, with key figures maneuvering for influence as they look ahead to a post-Bio era.
In this context, Vice President Jalloh’s silence and low-profile approach have been both strategic and enigmatic. While other party members have openly taken sides or expressed their views, Jalloh has remained reserved, prompting questions about his political strategy and future ambitions.
Dr. Jalloh’s ascent to the vice presidency was marked by his reputation as a technocrat with a background in international development, including work with the United Nations. His selection as Bio’s running mate in 2018 was seen as a strategic move to balance the SLPP ticket geographically and ethnically, given Jalloh’s Fulani heritage from the northern region of Sierra Leone, specifically Port Loko.
As Vice President, Jalloh has played a vital role in the Bio administration, particularly in governance and economic management. However, his political style has been characterized by quiet diplomacy, avoiding public confrontations and overt political maneuvers. While this has helped him maintain broad appeal, it has also led to perceptions of him being aloof or disengaged from the party’s grassroots.
Amid the current SLPP infighting, Jalloh’s position remains ambiguous. His loyalty to President Bio is unquestioned, as he has consistently supported the president’s policies. Yet, his absence from the more aggressive political battles within the party has raised eyebrows. Some speculate that Jalloh is deliberately staying out of the fray to preserve his political capital for the future. Others believe he may be acting as a mediator behind the scenes, working to bridge the party’s divides without drawing attention to himself.
Jalloh’s silence could be a calculated move to avoid alienating any faction within the SLPP. By staying neutral, he might position himself as a unifying figure if the party seeks to reconcile its warring factions. However, this approach carries risks; in a highly polarized environment, neutrality can be seen as indecision or a lack of leadership.
The ongoing infighting within the SLPP threatens the party’s cohesion and effectiveness, especially as it faces a resurgent opposition from the All People’s Congress (APC). In this context, Vice President Jalloh’s role could be pivotal. If he chooses to take a more active role in internal politics, he could emerge as a key figure in shaping the post-Bio SLPP. His technocratic background and international experience could make him a leader who appeals to both the party’s base and the broader electorate. However, this would require him to shift from his current low-profile approach to a more assertive political stance.
Conversely, if Jalloh continues to distance himself from the infighting, he risks being sidelined in the party’s future leadership contests. In the fluid and often ruthless world of Sierra Leonean politics, staying relevant is crucial, and absence from the political battlefield could be interpreted as a lack of ambition or influence.
In summary, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh currently occupies a position of cautious distance within the SLPP’s internal struggles. His loyalty to President Bio is clear, but his silence on the party’s divisions has sparked speculation about his future role and ambitions. Whether Jalloh will continue to play the part of a neutral technocrat or step into a more prominent political role remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that his decisions in the coming months will significantly impact both the SLPP and Sierra Leone’s political landscape. As the party navigates its internal challenges, Jalloh’s next moves will be closely watched by allies and rivals alike.
There is one towering figure missing in action is , Finance Minister, Sheku Bangura.
I believe he is a very diplomatic gentleman who if given the opportunity, will take our country forward.
Sheku has stabled our economy and have a proven track record with the IMF and World Bank. He is a unifier and will bring our country together.
Will someone like him be given a chance ?
He’s the most admired person in this administration. I think he wish the people to decide. And many a times such had paid off good. Thinking about the Ernest elevation to be the flagbearer of APC in 2007, and president kabbah getting the to be SLPP flagbearer in 1996. They both were never considered, until they became the concession candidate. Which gave them the admiration of majority of voters in their elections.