By: Audrey Raymonda John
Zainab Yeabu Sheriff, a popular figure in Sierra Leone’s music industry, has boldly declared her intention to become the country’s first female president. She made the announcement on November 16, 2025, at a rally held at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, west end of Freetown.
Speaking to a sea of supporters, Zainab Sheriff shared her vision for the future of Sierra Leone, highlighting the fact that the country has been led by men for more than 64 years, with little significant change. The “Mammy na Power” artist emphasized that her decision to run for president is driven by her desire to disrupt the entrenched political status quo dominated by men.
Sheriff pointed out that women in Sierra Leone want to either hold the presidency or the vice presidency, arguing that this would improve governance in the country. She reminded the crowd that women make up the majority of the electorate and therefore have the power to dismantle any male-dominated political leadership.
“I call on my fellow women to unite behind me,” Sheriff urged, “so we can build a new, celebrated Sierra Leone.”
Reflecting on the country’s painful history, Sheriff also spoke of the nation’s civil war, lamenting that both past and present leaders have failed to honor those who perished in the conflict. She pledged to work with the government and humanitarian organizations to establish an annual Remembrance Day to honor the victims of the war.
In addition to her political goals, Zainab Sheriff expressed concern for Sierra Leone’s youth, particularly the “Kush” boys, individuals struggling with substance abuse. She shared that after a recent meeting with some of them, she learned that they could recover with proper medical care in a safe environment. Sheriff proposed that, with the support of the public, a safe space could be created for these individuals to receive treatment. She urged Sierra Leoneans to contribute just two leones each, saying it would be enough to fund such an initiative.
The ceremony was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including women’s organizations, students, and influential personalities such as Charlie Afna, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and Joseph Kaifala. They all voiced their support for Sheriff’s vision and ambition.
With her bold declaration, Zainab Yeabu Sheriff has set the stage for what promises to be a historic and transformative campaign for Sierra Leone’s highest office.