When Julius Maada Bio assumed office in 2018, he promised to “clean Sierra Leone’s image” both at home and abroad. At the time, this vague pledge sparked hope among citizens eager for a new era of transparency, accountability, and progress. Fast forward to 2025, and the reality is a far cry from the lofty rhetoric. Instead of rebranding Sierra Leone as a beacon of good governance, Bio has plunged the nation into a deeper crisis—marked by corruption, reckless spending, institutional decay, and the disgraceful harboring of criminals.
A Government at War with Accountability
One of the most damning stains on Bio’s administration is the illegal sacking of the Auditor General, Lara Taylor-Pearce, in 2021. Her only “crime” was exposing corruption at the highest levels, including within the presidency itself. By removing the one official responsible for holding his government accountable, Bio sent a chilling message: in his Sierra Leone, truth-tellers will be silenced, and corruption will be protected. The consequence? A free-for-all looting spree within government ministries, departments, and agencies, where public funds are siphoned without consequence.
A Culture of Corruption and Decadence
Under Bio, corruption has reached unspeakable levels. Ministries operate like personal fiefdoms, where contracts are awarded without due process, government positions are sold to the highest bidder, and the suffering masses are left to fend for themselves. Instead of tackling these pressing issues, Bio has chosen to embark on frivolous overseas travels—spending millions of dollars on private jets, luxury accommodations, and per diem allowances while hospitals lack basic medication and civil servants go months without salaries.
The Collapse of the Energy Sector
Sierra Leone’s energy sector, already fragile, has been mismanaged into near collapse. Frequent blackouts have become the norm, stifling businesses, endangering lives in hospitals, and making daily life unbearable for ordinary citizens. Despite grand promises to improve electricity access, Bio’s government has failed to maintain or expand energy infrastructure, leaving the country in darkness—both literally and figuratively. Meanwhile, millions of dollars meant for power sector improvements vanish into thin air, fueling only the lifestyles of the corrupt elite.
Harboring Criminals: A National Disgrace
Perhaps the most disgraceful act of all is Bio’s administration openly harboring, aiding, and abetting a convicted violent drug lord. This is not just a betrayal of the rule of law but a direct insult to every Sierra Leonean who strives for a better, safer country. By associating with criminals, Bio has sent a clear signal to the international community: Sierra Leone’s leadership is willing to embrace lawlessness for personal gain.
The Price of Greed
At the heart of Bio’s failure is his insatiable greed—his willingness to put personal interests above the needs of the people. His administration’s reckless mismanagement has not only deepened poverty but has also destroyed Sierra Leone’s reputation on the global stage. The very image he promised to clean is now irreversibly tarnished, leaving behind long-term reputational damage that will take decades to repair.
Bio’s presidency has become a cautionary tale of how power, when placed in the wrong hands, can cripple a nation. As Sierra Leoneans grapple with worsening economic hardship, failing institutions, and a corrupt political elite, one question remains: How much more damage will be done before the people finally reclaim their country from this failed leadership?
Until then stay tuned
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