By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a democratic society like Sierra Leone, the existence of independent institutions and media outlets serves as a crucial foundation for checks and balances against the powers of the government. However, the lofty ideals of maintaining balance, independence, and professionalism in these institutions often seem to exist more in theory than in practice.
The unfortunate truth is that many of these institutions, whether due to their own vulnerabilities or external pressures, find themselves entangled in the complex web of politics, compromising their effectiveness.
At the heart of this struggle lies the issue of extreme poverty and job scarcity. Sierra Leone, like many developing nations, faces the harsh reality of high unemployment rates and limited economic opportunities. Graduates, armed with education and aspirations, find themselves grappling with the harsh truth that securing a job often requires more than just qualifications—it demands connections, be they political, regional, or tribal; it becomes a fertile ground for politicians to exploit, influencing institutions and individuals alike.
One of the most troubling consequences of this institutional vulnerability is the erosion of professionalism and independence. Many government appointments within these institutions, whether it’s regulatory bodies, law enforcement, or media, come with the implicit understanding that toeing the political line is paramount for job security. This compromise transforms once-independent entities into shadow players, vulnerable to political manipulation and lacking the capacity to uphold their intended roles as guardians of democracy.
The media, too, finds itself caught in this tangled narrative. While a handful of media outlets maintain their integrity and diligently hold those in power accountable, a significant number are forced to navigate the murky waters of survival. Extreme poverty has a way of clouding journalistic objectivity, pushing some media organizations to either align with the government to ensure their financial sustainability or affiliate with opposition parties to assert their relevance as critics. The recent media manifesto released by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) underscored the extent to which media outlets’ affiliations have become an open secret.
This state of affairs has far-reaching implications for the nation. The compromised professionalism of these institutions erodes public trust in their ability to safeguard democratic principles. When institutions are seen as beholden to specific interests, the delicate balance that is essential for the functioning of democracy is upset. This not only weakens the very core of democratic governance but also paves the way for potential abuse of power.
The 2023 seminar conducted by the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, aiming to enhance military professionalism within a democratic framework, inadvertently shed light on the issue. A prison officer’s poignant comment during the seminar highlighted the role of poverty in compromising professionalism. This revelation underscores that the consequences of institutional poverty extend beyond just skewed media narratives or questionable appointments—it permeates the very fabric of governance.
Addressing this challenge demands a multi-faceted approach. It requires a concerted effort from both government and civil society to create economic opportunities, reduce poverty, and ensure that meritocracy, not political affiliation, guides appointments. Moreover, media organizations should strive to uphold the principles of objective journalism, reinforcing their role as the fourth estate.
Institutional poverty poses a threat not only to Sierra Leone’s democracy but also to the aspirations and hopes of its citizens. The path forward must be paved with a commitment to transparency, integrity, and the realization that true progress can only be achieved when the pillars of democracy stand tall, unburdened by the weight of compromised institutions.