(Feature)
By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In the heart of West Africa, the vibrant nation of Sierra Leone is facing a pivotal moment in its history. On September 11, 2023, diverse groups of Sierra Leoneans attempted to take to the streets in various parts of the country to voice out their grievances and concerns against the ruling government. These demonstrations, though a hallmark of democratic societies, have raised questions about the repercussions of faceless protests on the nation’s stability.
The reasons behind these protests are multifaceted, reflecting the challenges facing Sierra Leone in the current global context. One of the most pressing concerns according to some of the protesters messages is the spiraling inflation rate, which has hit Sierra Leone. The uncontrollable inflation of the dollar rate, coupled with high importation and dependency on foreign goods, has led to a palpable sense of economic hardship among citizens.
Another significant catalyst for the political deadlock in Sierra Leone is the unfavorable political climate. Some set of citizens believe that the June election, while lauded for its peacefulness, was not entirely transparent and may have been rigged in favor of the incumbent party. This perception of political manipulation has ignited a sense of frustration and disillusionment among the populace.
In democratic nations like Sierra Leone, citizens have the right to express their grievances through peaceful demonstrations and protests. Protests are compelling channels through which government gets to know the most pressing issues of the citizens and devices measures to address those issues. However, there is a crucial aspect of this democratic right that often goes unnoticed: the need for proper authorization and clearance from the authorities, in this case, the police. This requirement is enshrined in the country’s constitution and serves as a safeguard to protect lives and properties.
The importance of obtaining police authorization becomes evident when we consider the consequences of faceless protests like the August 10. In Sierra Leone, a significant number of protests occur without clear leaders or prior communication with law enforcement. This presents a grave danger to both citizens and the nation as a whole.
Faceless protests, by their very nature, lack organization and structure. This unpredictability has, on numerous occasions, resulted in tragic loss of lives and destruction of properties. These protests often disrupt the daily lives of Sierra Leoneans, preventing the movement of people and goods and causing substantial financial losses to the government.
In stark contrast to Sierra Leone, in many other democratic countries, protests occur peacefully without causing disruptions or damage. The key difference lies in the responsible and organized approach taken in these countries, where protesters inform the authorities, gain proper authorization, and work to ensure the safety of all involved.
Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads. While the right to protest is a fundamental tenet of any democracy, the country must address the issue of faceless protests. The potential for violence and instability that these protests bring is too great a risk to ignore. Instead, Sierra Leone should promote a culture of responsible and organized dissent, where citizens engage with the authorities, ensuring the safety of all and safeguarding the nation’s stability.
In conclusion, while the people of Sierra Leone have every right to express their concerns and frustrations, the nation must take a stand against faceless protests. The need for authorization and clearance from the police is not a limitation of democracy but a vital measure to protect the well-being of its citizens and the country’s future. Sierra Leone deserves a path toward progress that is marked by peaceful dialogue, not chaos and destruction.