By Mohamed Bangura

Concerns are mounting in Freetown and across Sierra Leone as citizens caution that the government risks losing public trust if the proposed power-sharing arrangement is passed into law.

During a recent public engagement in Freetown, an anonymous participant posed tough questions to policymakers: “You don’t have confidence that you will win the 2028 elections? Why did this idea not start in 2023, during the controversial elections, before setting up a tripartite committee? Citizens deserve answers.”

Civil society activists echoed these frustrations, warning that such arrangements could undermine democracy.

“Elections are the people’s voice. If power-sharing becomes law without broad consultation, it tells voters that their choice does not matter.

That will break the people’s trust in government,”

At a youth gathering in Freetown, Mohamed Jalloh, a university student, added: “The government should be focusing on jobs and cost of living, not political power games. If citizens feel cheated, it will only increase frustration and division.”

Market women in Kissy Market also joined the debate. Haja Kadiatu Bangura, a trader, said: “Power-sharing will not bring food to our tables. Prices are high, our businesses are dying, and government is talking about politics instead of the economy.”

Meanwhile, political analyst Dr. Samuel Jalloh explained that while dialogue is important for stability, transparency is key.

“The Tripartite process emerged from the 2023 post-election tensions.

However, rushing to make power-sharing law without wider debate will raise suspicion that it is a political survival strategy rather than a peace-building tool,” he argued.

The controversy underscores a growing tension between the government’s political maneuvers and citizens’ daily struggles.

Many insist that the administration must prioritize economic recovery, social services, and democratic integrity if it wishes to rebuild confidence ahead of the 2028 polls.