By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
At the third annual lecture in African studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA, President Julius Maada Bio condemned autocratic rule, saying it no longer suits the aspirations or the demands of the modern era.
He said leaders must shape a future rooted in optimism, democracy, and the rich potential of varied populations, ensuring Africa's sustainable prosperity in a globally interconnected world.
The lecture which was delivered on the 25th March, 2024 was based on the theme: ‘Navigating the future: Democracy, progressive politics and inclusive development in Africa ─ the Sierra Leone experience’.
The President noted that the political and constitutional crises that have beset the ECOWAS sub-region in recent years pose a pressing challenge to the stability and prosperity of nations.
“The complicated emergence of unconstitutional governments spawned by a confluence of social discontent, economic hardship, and a crisis of legitimacy, poses a grave threat to the democratic fabric we have strived to weave,” he said.
He explained that the aforementioned challenges call into question the effectiveness of ECOWAS as a regional body in its crucial role as a mediator and guardian of democratic principles. He committed to the difficult and necessary task of making sure that the ECOWAS body becomes more relevant and effective in upholding and strengthening democracy and called upon fellow leaders to do the same.
President Bio stated that Sierra Leone emerging from the shadows of colonialism and the ravages of a bloody civil war has embarked on a remarkable journey towards a vibrant democracy, breathing life into the freedoms that form the essence of national identity.
He said that the country’s democratic vitality is anchored in its ability to withstand both domestic tribulations and the unpredictable forces of a changing world, compelling to uphold foundational principles steadfastly.
He told the gathering that challenges faced both globally and locally, require leadership that is adaptable, transparent, and deeply committed to justice and equality.
Bio recalled his involvement in the 1992 military intervention, “which aimed to dismantle an entrenched twenty-year autocracy and pave the way for democratic rule, reflects a complex yet necessary chapter in our nation's history.” He added that he was also involved in the military “palace coup” in January 1996 and upheld the promise of returning the country to civilian rule.
“Subsequently, I organised democratic elections and relinquished power within three months. This was a testament to my unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Such actions, though fraught with challenges, highlight the significance of leadership that prioritizes the collective aspirations of its people over personal ambition,” he said.
He pointed out that choosing to relinquish power, especially as a young leader who could have justified holding onto power, “was not merely a personal decision but a declaration of my commitment to democratic governance.”
The President emphasized that his role in the peace mediation between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels was not merely a diplomatic endeavor but a profound commitment to the peace and unity of the nation.
“This pivotal moment in our history served as the bedrock for the enduring peace we enjoy today, earning me the honor of being referred to as the "Father of Democracy" in Sierra Leone,” said President Bio.
He explained that the organization of the first multi-party general elections after two decades marked a significant milestone, transitioning Sierra Leone from the grip of an “autocratic regime to the dawn of democratic governance.”
“The echoes of our past must not be allowed to justify the actions of our present nor determine the trajectory of our future. The old ways of autocratic rule are incompatible with the aspirations of our people and the exigencies of our times,” the president stated.
President Bio noted that the allure of reverting to undemocratic practices in the face of adversity is a path fraught with peril.
“We cannot embrace the very practices we have strived to overcome,” he said.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (28/03/24)
