By Gibao Brima

 Sierra Leoneans have commemorated many holidays over the past weeks spanning from Independence, Easter, May Day to name but a few.

However, May 8th will never be forgotten in the minds and hearts of Sierra Leoneans because this was the day the Revolutional United Front rebels turned their guns against thousands of innocent Sierra Leonean demonstrators who had marched to their leader Foday Sebanoh Sankoh’s residence at Spur Road demanding for justice

and for him, Foday Sankoh to explain why he should be given a position equal to second vice president and head of Strategic Mineral Resources.

When the demonstrators arrived at the compound they were denied entrance into the compound by the UN peacekeepers who were providing security for the former rebel warlord for fear it might spark direct confrontation with the armed rebels residing in the compound. Whilst the crowd were forcing their way into the compound, the peacekeepers fired in the air to disperse them not knowing that was going to be the start of the sad incident that led to the brutal killing of many defenceless souls on that fateful day whilst scores sustained severe injuries.

Despite this horrific event Foday Sankoh tried to advance reasons for the RUF’s launch of the senseless war including injustice, unemployment, poor electricity and water facility, lack of quality education which in fact was no longer a right but

privilege for the few who can afford to take

care of the children, low and unequalled salary structures for workers despite having same qualification(s).

Even though these were genuine reasons but people did not see that as justification for Foday Saybano Sankoh to raise arms against defenceless civilians in this country, kill them and destroyed their properties. Unfortunately, though his rebellion never changed the narrative, as

Sierra Leoneans continue to suffer even with the abundance with God’s given riches including water and valuable minerals.

For instance, despite having plenty sources of water in Freetown one can see women and children struggling to have access to clean drinking water especially during the dry season. They normally carry  jerry cans going in search for  water some times at odd hours in distance places. This situation had led many of them especially girls to fall prey to criminals who seized their vulnerable position to hurt them. To get a sqare meal for the day remains another difficult challenge since most Sierra Leoneans are unemployed. General standard of living is still difficult.

However, educational system has a bit improved with the introduction of free quality education for public schools a couple of years ago. But even as that the system is struggling to succeed since most school authorities continue to undermine policy.

Health is another challenge despite free healthcare was launched by former APC administration as continued under the SLPP led government E even though the government has trained many nurses over the years and has established many health centers across the country, health system still face still face challenges.

In light of RUF rebellion to right the wrongs and other efforts to change appalling situation, nothing has absolutely changed, hence

time for our political heads to think for the betterment of their citizenry.