By: Patrick Hinga George - Public Education Officer ACC
Sierra Leone, a nation endowed with immense natural resources, breathtaking landscapes, and a population just around eight million, has long stood as a paradox. Blessed with wealth, yet burdened by poverty, this West African country was once among the continent’s most promising nations. However, despite its potential, Sierra Leone struggled to rise above the heavy toll of systemic corruption, mismanagement, and political instability. Today, however, a transformation is unfolding. Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio and the tireless efforts of Francis Ben Kaifala Esq, the nation is beginning to reclaim its image, shifting from a reputation of widespread corruption to one of reform and recovery.
Reform and Recovery: A New Chapter for Sierra Leone
Since 2018, Sierra Leone has undergone a remarkable turnaround. The appointment of Francis Ben Kaifala Esq as the country’s Anti-Corruption Commissioner marked a significant turning point in the fight against the entrenched corruption that had hobbled the nation for decades. At just 35 years old, Kaifala became the youngest Anti-Corruption Commissioner in the world, and his leadership has breathed new life into the country’s governance structure.
Under Kaifala’s direction, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has made notable strides in its efforts to investigate and prosecute corruption at all levels of government. The Commission has recovered over 60 Billion (Old) Leones in stolen funds. These funds do not include the costs of property- including houses, vehicles, motorbikes, computers and other assets recovered. This sends a clear message that those responsible for plundering public resources will be held accountable. These victories have not only boosted public confidence but have also improved Sierra Leone’s global standing, with the country’s international image being rapidly redefined.
President Julius Maada Bio, whose leadership has been instrumental in fostering an environment of reform, made a bold commitment to combat the institutionalized corruption that had plagued the country for years. His vision, which emphasized rebuilding Sierra Leone’s image, restoring trust in institutions, and improving governance, is now beginning to bear fruit.
The transformation is evident in international rankings such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), where Sierra Leone’s score rose from a dismal 49% in 2017 to a consistently remarkable above 70% for seven years since 2018.
Moreso,the nation’s improving performance is also seen in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index published on 30th January 2024, where Sierra Leone moved from 110 in 2022 to 108 out of 180 countries surveyed in the 2023 TI-CPI.
Sierra Leone leads 72 countries in the world including 31 African countries. This is the 5th consecutive year since 2018, as the country was positioned at 130 in 2017. In respect to Afrobarometer Survey Report Round 9, 2021 to 2023 for 39 countries, Sierra Leone scored 58% far above the 39-country average of 29%. The country has been ranked as one of only six African countries to perform very well in the fight against corruption.
Moreover, the National Corruption Perception Survey conducted by the Public Financial Management Consortium led by the Center for Accountability and the Rule of Law (CARL), highlights a steady increase, as 92% of respondents convinced about the fight against corruption and trust in the Government's anti-corruption efforts. This resurgence of confidence is a direct result of the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The History of Corruption: A Devastating Legacy
Despite this new found optimism, the road to recovery was far from straightforward. For much of Sierra Leone's modern history, corruption was a powerful and destructive force. It was not just a contemporary issue, but rather one with deep historical roots. In fact, corruption played a critical role in the outbreak of the country’s brutal 11-year civil war, which ranged from 1991 to 2002. The war devastated the nation, leaving tens of thousands dead, many more maimed, and communities destroyed.
The consequences of this corruption were catastrophic: thousands of Sierra Leoneans were murdered, and many more were maimed, including children who lost limbs to brutal violence. Communities were razed, and vital infrastructure—schools, hospitals, and roads—was destroyed. After the war ended, hopes for a new beginning were dashed by the persistence of corruption at the highest levels of government. The desire for national reconstruction was continuously undermined by the same forces that had caused the country’s ruin in the first place.
A Paradox of Riches and Poverty
Sierra Leone’s struggle with corruption was not confined to the war years alone. Even after the cessation of hostilities, the country remained one of the poorest in the world despite being rich in natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and iron ore. The mismanagement of these resources by corrupt officials kept the wealth out of reach of the people, and funds meant for development were often diverted into private coffers.
Education, once a pillar of Sierra Leone’s national pride and considered a beacon of excellence in West Africa, fell victim to the same systemic corruption. Schools were underfunded, teachers were poorly trained, and educational resources were scarce, leaving generations of young people without the tools for advancement. This erosion of the education system contributed to massive youth unemployment, which remains one of Sierra Leone's most pressing challenges.
Similarly, the country’s health system—once a critical lifeline for the population—suffered from neglect and underinvestment. Many hospitals and clinics lacked basic medical supplies and personnel, leading to poor health outcomes for the population. In such a context, the potential of Sierra Leone’s natural wealth was squandered, and the nation remained trapped in cycles of poverty, corruption, and misgovernance.
A Beacon for the Region
Sierra Leone’s progress under the leadership of President Bio and Commissioner KaifalaEsq has not only revitalized the country’s image but has also garnered attention from neighboring nations. Countries like Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, and Uganda have visited Sierra Leone to learn from the success of its anti-corruption strategy and governance reforms. These countries are eager to replicate Sierra Leone’s reforms, recognizing that the fight against corruption is not only essential for domestic growth but is also critical to regional stability and prosperity.
Looking Ahead: The Promise of a New Sierra Leone
The transformation of Sierra Leone since 2018 is proof of the power of reform and leadership. While challenges remain, the country has made significant progress in rebuilding its institutions, fighting corruption, and restoring public trust. The focus on improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation is beginning to show positive results. With sustained efforts, Sierra Leone can continue to shed its reputation as one of the most corrupt nations in Africa and transform into a prosperous, stable, and respected nation.
The progress made is remarkable, but Sierra Leone’s full recovery is still a work in progress. The key to sustained success lies in maintaining the momentum of reform, further improving governance, and ensuring that the country’s resources benefit the people. If Sierra Leone continues on this path, it will eventually fulfill its potential as a beacon of progress and hope for the continent.
The narrative of Sierra Leone is one of redemption—of a nation that has faced profound challenges but is now rising from the ashes of its troubled past. It stands as a testament to the power of leadership, transparency, and the determination of the people to rebuild their country and create a brighter future.
