Calm returns to Sierra Leone after violent protests

The West African nation of Sierra Leone has been engulfed by political unrest and violent protests in recent days, as citizens express their frustration over the skyrocketing cost of living in the country. The protests, which were initially intended to be peaceful demonstrations, quickly turned violent, with reports of live ammunition being fired in civilian areas. President Julius Maada Bio has accused the protesters of attempting to overthrow the government, further escalating tensions in the already volatile situation. The CEO of Alpha African Advisory, Sanyade Okoli, shed light on the underlying issues fueling the unrest in Sierra Leone during an interview with CNBC Africa. Okoli highlighted the historical context of Sierra Leone, citing a turbulent past marked by a decade-long civil war and outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Ebola. The country's political landscape is polarized between the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People's Congress (APC), leading to heightened tensions in recent years. Economic challenges have exacerbated the situation, with the price of staple foods like rice more than doubling in a span of two years. The depreciation of the local currency has further strained the purchasing power of citizens, many of whom struggle to afford basic necessities despite the minimum wage hovering around $40. While global factors like inflation and energy crises contribute to the economic woes faced by many developing nations, the specific grievances in Sierra Leone are deeply rooted in longstanding political and social issues. The upcoming 2023 elections loom large over the current unrest, with concerns rising about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. The protests have largely been concentrated in opposition strongholds, indicating a politicized undertone to the demonstrations. In response to the economic crisis, Okoli explained that the government's capacity to provide financial assistance is limited, given the country's previous challenges with Ebola and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While international organizations like the World Bank and the IMF have offered aid, the effectiveness of these measures remains in question. Okoli emphasized that the root causes of the unrest go beyond economic hardships, pointing to underlying issues of governance, tribalism, and political polarization. As the situation in Sierra Leone continues to deteriorate, Okoli underscored the crucial role of civil society organizations in de-escalating tensions and fostering dialogue between different stakeholders. Moderate voices must be amplified to counter the narrative of extreme factions calling for radical measures like military intervention. Okoli warned against the potential for further destabilization if concerted efforts are not made to engage diverse perspectives and prevent the escalation of violence. The international community has been urged to pay attention to the unfolding crisis in Sierra Leone, as reports of increasing unrest and calls for government overthrow raise alarms about the country's stability. With a delicate balance between political, economic, and social challenges at play, the road to reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone remains uncertain. As the country grapples with deep-seated grievances and escalating tensions, the voices of reason and moderation must prevail to steer Sierra Leone towards a path of stability and progress.