Opposition Chief Whip Slams Democracy Report, Decries Government Failures

Freetown, Sierra Leone 17th September 2025:
The Opposition Chief Whip in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, has delivered a scathing critique of the government and the recently published State of Democracy in Sierra Leone report. Appearing on Liberty Online TV, the outspoken lawmaker did not mince words as he challenged the credibility of the report and condemned the government’s management of national affairs.

Hon. Kamara accused the report of overlooking key democratic institutions, particularly the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), which he said plays a crucial role in nurturing multiparty democracy. He stressed that excluding such institutions from the analysis undermines the report’s objectivity and accuracy.

Despite acknowledging that internal party conflicts exist across the political landscape, the Chief Whip observed that tensions have begun to ease as party leaders increasingly prioritize peace and cohesion. According to him, unity within political parties is vital for strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic culture.

Turning to governance and public welfare, Hon. Kamara painted a grim picture of the nation’s socio-economic reality. He raised alarm over growing food insecurity, criticizing the administration for failing to present credible policies or alternatives to alleviate hunger. “Democracy cannot thrive when citizens are hungry,” he said, stressing that the people’s welfare must remain at the center of governance.

He further accused the government of reckless and wasteful spending, pointing in particular to President Julius Maada Bio’s frequent overseas trips, which he described as costly, unnecessary, and of little benefit to ordinary Sierra Leoneans. While the Ministry of Information and Civic Education has admitted to resource constraints, Hon. Kamara dismissed this as a cover-up for what he called “poor financial management and misplaced priorities.”

On the issue of social and economic rights, the Chief Whip expressed frustration at what he described as the government’s complacency while citizens’ living conditions continue to worsen. He referenced the President’s recent parliamentary address, which highlighted progress in education, health, agriculture, and social welfare. However, Hon. Kamara argued that those claims stand in sharp contrast to the findings of the 2025 Performance Audit Report.

He cited the troubling example of the Julius Maada Bio Hospital, which, according to the audit, lacks running water, essential drugs, and adequate wages for health workers. In the education sector, he pointed to the teachers’ strike as evidence of government neglect and failure to address legitimate demands of educators.

On the role of Parliament, Hon. Kamara admitted there are institutional weaknesses but maintained that Parliament has nonetheless worked to foster inclusivity through lawmaking, oversight, and advocacy. He emphasized that the opposition has consistently discharged its duty by presenting evidence-based criticisms and holding the government to account.

In closing, the Opposition Chief Whip acknowledged the value of the State of Democracy report in highlighting challenges facing Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions. However, he urged its authors to adopt greater impartiality, courage, and transparency in their work. “Only through honesty and bold truth-telling can democracy truly thrive in Sierra Leone,” he concluded.