Social Media, Youthful Aspirations, and Going Beyond Tradition in Sierra Leonean Politics
I told a friend, about two years ago, that David Sengeh is being groomed to become the next president of Sierra Leone, and she scoffed. Not that she doubts his ability or thinks he is incapable, or unworthy of it. She just felt the need to hold on to the paradigm of how it used to be i.e. always for the old folks. And how the likes of David, might not like to cross the path or be involved in such a dirty game as we often describe politics.
Women and their emotions.
But I must admit that she is half right, though, particularly when you look at things from the perspective with which she approached them. What she didn’t acknowledge, however, is the insidious effect of a factor like the growing phenomenon of challenging the older folks that power is no longer tied to their age and experiences outside of Sierra Leone as seen in the cases of Bobi Wine vs Museveni and Faye vs Sall.
Then the growing resistance to forms of neo-colonialism when the cases of military takeovers by young Goita and Traoré in Mali and Burkina Faso respectively are considered.
And, of less significance to some, is the growing adoption of social media use. Social media platforms, while they serve entertainment purposes, amplify political messages and trends across the board, giving many who are within access to what’s without. These include happenings mentioned above as well as others like the one a friend points out about the notable powerful influences such as how South Africa’s Malema has been challenging leadership in his country. And the resilience as well as the determination of Sonko and Faye in Senegal. These are the few that come to the top of my mind. You can add yours.
How this relates to Sierra Leone is the suggestion of a changing political landscape straddled by the emergence of younger politicians. While there could be several reasons behind the growing prominence of younger politicians in Sierra Leone, shifting societal norms as influenced by happenings elsewhere and the desire for fresh perspectives in governance are identifiable. Then you have the social media platforms.
Looking at his potential candidacy for the presidency, does David fit the profile? He is now no longer new in government — even though he is still new if you know what I mean. To further solidify his experience, he has been moved from one government post to another — chief innovation officer, Minister of Education, and now the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone — supposedly to understudy some aspect of government business. It makes sense, not just to his handlers but from a business perspective. To do it right, as a CEO (or CIO as his case is), they always suggest that you be your accountant, your auditor, your copywriter, your legal rep, your everything. After all, the phrase, running the government as a business is no longer strange to us now. So it makes sense for him to move, or made to move, around and have a taste of what it is like to be in the realm of control.
If and when David should appear in public with his political war chest, how I wish it would birth the dawn of a new day for Chernoh Alpha Bah and his Africanist movement which has been moving relentlessly for some years. Spend some minutes with him and you’ll feel more knowledgeable. If he were to be in a presidential tussle, I’m sure he would be laying out his plans now. I haven’t met or spent as much time with David in such a capacity but I know his impeccable academic and entrepreneurial record. Chernoh now spends more in the US. I heard he could be best described as a political activist at the moment rather than someone into active politics. Do you see the contradiction? David left the US to sleep with mosquito nets and an erratic power supply like Chernoh had done for many years before heading to the US. Chernoh’s influence and potential candidacy cannot be dismissed, particularly given his grassroots support, while David is building up. Fun fact: David recently chopped off his cherished dreadlocks (what did they tell him?) while Chernoh, I heard, is raising his afro style (bro!).
When it comes to who could be the next president of Sierra Leone, do not forget that we often talk about the role of those called the ‘international community’. Even though their influence is gradually waning everywhere going by the happenings mentioned above, is it far-fetched to say the ‘community’ is now steering clear from unnecessary interferences or is it a matter of, we can believe what we want, they still carry significance?
There is also the power of incumbency i.e. the ruling government using its clout — kudos to the choice of various young cabinet members. In that regard, we have the sitting Vice President, Juldeh Bah. For other potentials, there is Kamaraimba Mansaray. He’s been around for a while, and thick in the game. And Solomon Jamiru, whom another friend says is the most fitting for the job “if social media and Salone hearsay are anything to go by.” Meanwhile, she warned: “Olu, a young person in Salone politics of old people is like eating rice with fufu soup (bitters, etc).” I hope I get what that means correctly.
But the point is: No one is ruled out. Regardless of whether there is resistance from older generations and entrenched political structures. I don’t expect to see potential candidates competing against each other in the same capacity when it comes to platform access. But I strongly see them sharpening each other. The game of how they manifest their strengths and offers wouldn’t play out well if all the potentials were on the same political axis. And that’s the point. So, while their trajectories suggest preparation for higher office, it remains to be seen how they will navigate the complexities of Sierra Leonean politics.
Whichever way it goes, though, I wish every one of them well, particularly the younger men. They are bright minds that I strongly believe could have excelled in whatever field they choose to settle. Yet they choose causes that could mean a lot to many young Sierra Leoneans and more to come. From their sacrifices, you could tell that they have something at heart for their country. Let’s hope it’s the best.
Rising young leaders can always leverage the power of increased engagement with technology and social media, and the potential for innovative policy solutions. The dynamics of social media play crucial roles in shaping public perception and political outcomes. Figures show that fewer than three million voters, representing about a third of the slightly over half of the population eligible to vote, decided the outcome of the last presidential election. A number equivalent to 9 percent of the total population uses social media in Sierra Leone at the start of 2023. As this number grows, so does social media’s significance in Sierra Leonean politics becomes increasingly essential.
In pondering the potential future leaders of Sierra Leone, it is essential to acknowledge the diverse array of candidates and factors at play. While individuals like David Sengeh and Chernoh Alpha Bah capture attention, the choice of contestants will be influenced by a complex interplay of several factors. As Sierra Leoneans contemplate their collective future, it is crucial to engage in thoughtful discourse and analysis to ensure the best possible outcome for the nation.
Mind you, note that everything I just mentioned is predicated on whether these individuals are actually interested, or still interested, in becoming the president of Sierra Leone. It’s just me musing.
