As a Sierra Leonean who has spent more than half of my lifetime in activism, I struggle to comprehend why media houses such as AYV, Radio Democracy, and other networks continue to provide a platform for individuals like William Sao-Lamin, Charles Mambu, and Joseph Sannoh and many others like them. These so-called civil society activists have proven time and again that their primary allegiance lies not with the suffering masses but with those in power who finance their deception. By allowing these individuals to spew government propaganda under the guise of activism, the media is not just failing in its responsibility but actively contributing to the suffering of the people.
Sierra Leoneans continue to endure hardships that should be addressed with honesty and urgency. The lack of electricity, the deteriorating economy, and the mismanagement of public funds are glaring issues. Yet, the media chooses to give their platforms to individuals who ignore these realities, instead choosing to praise the very leaders responsible for this mess. These so-called activists defend President Julius Maada Bio and Dr. KandehYumkella, Fatima Bio, Francis Ben Kaifala and many others who have destroyed the country, not because of any genuine belief in their leadership, but because they are being paid to do so, at the detriment of the suffering majority.
Take, for instance, the electricity crisis. Sierra Leoneans pay exorbitant fees for electricity through top-ups, yet the service remains unreliable. The government’s debts to companies like Karpower continue to accumulate, and despite people making payments, electricity remains scarce. Where is the money going? Instead of investigating and holding authorities accountable, William Sao-Lamin publicly declared his support for EDSA, effectively siding with the very institution that has failed the people. How can a supposed senior civil society activist take such a stance? Does he even understand what it means to be a civil society activist or a human rights advocate? His actions betray the very essence of activism and expose him as nothing more than a government stooge.
The disgrace does not end with Sao-Lamin. Not too long ago, DJ Base of AYV interviewed Charles Mambu and Joseph Sannoh, two self-proclaimed activists who operate dubious, one-man organizations. These individuals are notorious for fabricating the names of organizations to gain credibility while in reality, they serve no one but themselves and their political paymasters. During the interview, they shamelessly defended the controversial toll gate system, arguing in favor of the Chinese contractors. Predictably, the government later increased toll gate fees, further burdening the struggling masses. Small-scale traders and transporters, who rely on these roads to bring basic food items to market, are now forced to bear even heavier financial burdens. Once again, the so-called activists aided and abetted policies that hurt the people they claim to represent.
This trend of giving a platform to known deceivers must stop. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and all media houses must take a stand against allowing these individuals to spreadmisinformation and government propaganda. It is unacceptable for the media to claim neutrality while knowingly facilitating lies and betrayal. The people of Sierra Leone deserve truth and accountability, not paid puppets masquerading as activists.
I urge all Sierra Leoneans to join me in calling for an end to this travesty. Let us demand that our media houses stop giving interviews to individuals who actively contribute to our suffering. We must expose these fake activists and refuse to be manipulated any further. The media has a duty to serve the people, not to provide a megaphone for government-sponsored deceit. If we are to tackle our problems, we must start by ensuring that those who speak on our behalf truly have our interests at heart.
The time for tolerance is over. Sierra Leoneans must wake up to the reality that some of those who claim to fight for them are, in fact, working against them. Let us hold our media houses accountable and refuse to accept lies in place of truth. Enough is enough.