By Ibrahim Kabba Turay

This April 27th, Sierra Leone marks 64 years since gaining independence from British colonial rule. It is a moment that calls for both celebration and deep reflection. Our journey as a nation has been one of triumphs, struggles, resilience, and hope.

As we wave our green, white, and blue flag with pride, we must ask ourselves: what have we truly achieved? What challenges continue to weigh us down? And most importantly, what is the way forward?

Achievements Since Independence

Despite numerous setbacks, Sierra Leone has made notable progress in several areas.

Politically, we have transitioned from colonial governance to self-rule, endured military coups, one-party rule, and a devastating civil war, yet emerged as a multi-party democracy. Our elections in 2007, 2012, 2018, and 2023 — though marred by challenges — showcased the resilience of our democratic institutions. Notably, Sierra Leone has remained peaceful since the end of the 11-year civil war in 2002, which claimed approximately 50,000 lives and displaced over two million people.

Economically, Sierra Leone’s GDP grew by 3.8% in 2023 according to the World Bank, driven largely by agriculture and mining. Our rich deposits of diamonds, gold, bauxite, and iron ore continue to attract international investment. Tourism, although still underdeveloped, offers immense potential, with the country ranked among the “Top 10 Emerging Travel Destinations” by Travel Lemming in 2024.

On human development, significant strides have been made. Life expectancy, once just 38 years in 2000, has improved to 61 years as of 2023 (UNDP). The Free Quality School Education (FQSE) initiative launched in 2018 has benefitted over two million children, increasing enrollment rates significantly, particularly for girls. Maternal mortality, once among the highest globally, has decreased from 1,360 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 717 by 2020 (World Bank).

Moreover, Sierra Leone has earned international recognition for its leadership in global health emergencies. Despite losing nearly 4,000 citizens during the Ebola crisis of 2014–2016, our response infrastructure strengthened, helping manage the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively than many wealthier nations.

The Challenges We Face

Yet, amid these gains, we cannot ignore the serious challenges that threaten our progress.

Poverty remains pervasive, with 56.8% of the population living below the national poverty line (2018, Statistics Sierra Leone). Youth unemployment stands at approximately 60%, a figure that alarms both economists and social scientists. Despite abundant resources, Sierra Leone ranks 181st out of 191 countries on the 2023 UN Human Development Index.

Political polarization undermines democratic consolidation. The 2023 elections, for instance, were marred by disputes and violence, reflecting deep ethnic and regional tensions. Trust in governance remains low, with Transparency International ranking Sierra Leone 110th out of 180 countries on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Infrastructure deficits persist. Only 26% of the population has access to electricity, with rural access rates even lower. Clean water and sanitation services remain out of reach for many, contributing to preventable diseases.

Education still struggles despite increased access. The 2022 Early Grade Reading Assessment showed that only 12% of Grade 2 students could read at grade level standards.

Environmental degradation is an escalating crisis. Between 2001 and 2021, Sierra Leone lost 48,600 hectares of tree cover (Global Forest Watch), a factor contributing to deadly landslides like the 2017 Freetown disaster, which claimed over 1,100 lives.

Gender inequality also remains a major hurdle. Although the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act was passed in 2023 — mandating 30% women’s representation in public offices — implementation is still in its infancy, and gender-based violence remains widespread.

The Way Forward

Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will determine whether we become a prosperous, inclusive, and stable nation or continue to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Good governance must be our top priority. Transparency, accountability, and rule of law must move from rhetoric to reality. The Anti-Corruption Commission must be granted full independence, and civic education must encourage citizen activism.

Economic diversification is essential. Agriculture — which employs approximately 60% of the workforce -must be modernized. Tourism, technology, and manufacturing sectors should receive strategic investment, supported by targeted youth vocational training programs.

Education reform should emphasize not only enrollment but also quality. Teacher training, curriculum updates, and STEM promotion must be prioritized to prepare students for the demands of a modern economy.

National unity must be nurtured. We must invest in civic education programs, promote inclusive leadership, and dismantle the ethnic and regional biases that hinder national progress.

Environmental resilience must be built urgently. Reforestation initiatives, sustainable mining regulations, and better urban planning can mitigate the growing risks of climate change disasters.

Empowering women and youth is not optional. We must enforce gender equity laws robustly and involve young people meaningfully in governance, not merely as voters but as decision-makers and innovators.

Conclusion

As Sierra Leone celebrates 64 years of independence, it is clear that while we have much to be proud of, we have even more work to do. Our resilience has carried us through war, disease, and hardship, but resilience alone is not enough. We must now channel our collective strength toward building a nation where prosperity is shared, justice is guaranteed, and hope is not a privilege for the few but the right of all.

The spirit of April 27, 1961, was one of hope, unity, and ambition. Let us honor that spirit not only with festivities but with a renewed commitment to the hard, often uncomfortable, but necessary work of nation-building. Sierra Leone deserves nothing less.