Sierra Leone’s leadership has turned into a tool for oppression rather than service. Citizens are bullied into silence and submission, suffering from political manipulation that destroys familial relationships and societal bonds. The culture of fear stifles dissent, and systemic issues like healthcare and education deteriorate due to this dynamic. For real change, citizens must learn to speak up against the injustices they face.
Leadership should be a sacred trust, primarily focused on serving and uplifting the population. Yet in Sierra Leone, it has devolved into a mechanism of coercion and suppression, where elected officials intimidate the very citizens they promised to serve. Despite initial allure, citizens now find themselves in situations marked by fear, poverty, and silence, betrayed by those they once trusted.
Citizens are not constrained by external forces but by the very politicians they elected. This political bullying fosters an atmosphere of silence, where acknowledging struggles like hunger or lack of basic services becomes a dangerous act. Citizens live under the constant threat of suppression, creating a culture where feelings of fear and resignation replace the hope for fundamental needs like food and healthcare.
The consequences of political bullying extend to citizens feeling compelled to act against their own interests. They must choose between supporting their leaders unconditionally or risking being labeled unpatriotic. This manipulation forces individuals to prioritize political allegiance over personal experiences, exacerbating divisions even among close familial relationships.
The atmosphere of intimidation influences how people interact with one another. Political loyalty has become a basis for social connections, often destroying familial ties. Conversations once based on love and support are now fraught with political tension, creating rifts between family members based solely on their political affiliations.
Political bullying manifests in various restrictive ways. Criticism of the government leads to job insecurity, while independence in business brings threats of repercussions. The government does not distribute opportunities based on merit but rather on loyalty. Commentary on societal injustices is often met with harsh social ridicule or exclusion by peers, emphasizing a cultural environment hostile towards dissent.
Fear undermines the potential for progress and sustained change. The oppressive tactics used by the ruling class render citizens voiceless, compelling them to believe their doubts about bringing change hold merit. Despite being the majority, citizens are made to feel powerless, with systemic issues like healthcare and education deteriorating further as a direct consequence of this human oppression.
To initiate real change, citizens must overcome their fears. Silence will only perpetuate the status quo, allowing leaders to misuse their power unchallenged. If citizens begin to speak up and advocate for their rights, they can disrupt the cycle of oppression that has imprisoned their voices and aspirations, fostering meaningful transformation in governance and society.
The leadership style in Sierra Leone has shifted from public service to coercive control, creating an atmosphere of fear and isolation among citizens. Political bullying has not only affected trust in leadership but has also fractured communal ties. To overcome these challenges, citizens must confront their fears and begin to vocalize their discontent, seeking accountability from their leaders and demanding systemic changes to restore hope and dignity.
Original Source: www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com
