By Sall Tee Jay
In a recent controversy, members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) have attempted to trivialize and dismiss as mere “humor” the alarming death threat issued by President Julius Maada Bio against supporters of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). The President made these remarks during the official opening of an SLPP Party office in Bonthe District, which has since sparked widespread condemnation from various sectors of society.
In a statement made in his native Mende dialect, which was later translated into Krio, President Bio declared: “Anybody na Bonthe way dae support APC go die tomorrow morning.” Translated into English, this roughly means, “Anyone here in Bonthe who supports the APC will die tomorrow morning.” The President’s comments have been widely criticized as threatening, divisive, and utterly uncalled for, especially in a country where the practice of democracy remains fragile.
This inciting remark has been interpreted by many as an intentional attempt to intimidate political opponents, adding to a troubling pattern of political rhetoric that undermines the peace and stability of the nation. Given the history of tensions between the ruling SLPP and opposition parties, President Bio’s statement further fuels an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
In a stunning display of inconsistency, members of the SLPP have sought to downplay the gravity of the President’s words, claiming they were merely a form of humor. This attempt to trivialize the President’s dangerous rhetoric is troubling, as it suggests a broader culture of political intimidation within the party. Critics have pointed out that the President, as “father of the nation,” should set an example of leadership that fosters unity and peace, rather than deepening divisions and inciting hatred.
This recent statement follows a disturbing trend of similar remarks made by senior members of the SLPP. For instance, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, as well as the party’s current National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, have been associated with other inflammatory statements that seem to endorse violence or threats against opposition figures.
A school of thought suggests that the SLPP is strategically preparing for the 2028 election, and that these violent statements are reflective of the party’s intentions to suppress or eliminate political opposition. As one political analyst pointed out: “If the President, who is considered the father of the nation, can make such a statement, what should we expect from his subordinates and disciples?”
This issue takes on greater significance when compared to the treatment of opposition figures who have faced harsh legal consequences for far less provocative remarks. Recently, APC National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya, was arrested, detained, and imprisoned for the relatively mild accusation of calling the President a thief—a claim that he made regarding alleged irregularities in the 2023 elections. Similarly, opposition figure, Zainab Sheriff, is currently facing multiple charges and has been denied bail after making what some considered to be a conditional political statement. The actions of the government, in these instances, raise serious concerns about political freedom and the treatment of dissent in Sierra Leone.
In contrast, the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), which has been quick to act against opposition members making statements deemed threatening to national security, has remained conspicuously silent regarding President Bio’s recent remarks. This double standard has not gone unnoticed and only serves to heighten suspicions that the government is applying the law selectively, often to the detriment of opposition members.
The silence from Sierra Leone’s international partners is also alarming. While many diplomatic missions and aid agencies have been observing the unfolding political situation, there has been a noticeable lack of strong, direct condemnation of President Bio’s dangerous rhetoric. This silence could be interpreted as tacit approval or indifference to the growing political instability in the country, a situation that could have serious consequences for Sierra Leone’s fragile democracy.
As the country stands on the precipice of political tension, Sierra Leoneans and international observers alike are calling for accountability. If those in power fail to address the increasing violence and the erosion of political freedom, Sierra Leone could find itself on the brink of a full-blown crisis. The nation’s leaders must be held accountable for the words they speak and the climate of fear they foster.
If the current trajectory continues, it’s clear that the already fragile political landscape in Sierra Leone is at risk of being further destabilized. The nation’s future may depend on whether the government chooses to stand for unity and peace, or whether it continues to allow, and even encourage, a culture of intimidation and division.