By Mohamed Janneh

In Sierra Leone today, the promise of democracy rings hollow for the majority of ordinary citizens. While democratic ideals should empower all, in reality, they appear to be the privilege of the ruling elites and the well-educated few. For the average citizen, understanding and exercising democratic rights has become an uphill battle — a struggle compounded by deliberate neglect and systemic marginalization.

Over the past forty years, the rights of ordinary Sierra Leoneans have been steadily eroded. What was once seen as the foundation of equality and justice has been replaced with fear, suppression, and disillusionment. Democracy, for many, exists only in speeches and election campaigns — not in daily life. The dignity of the people has been silenced, much like a caged bird whose song is stifled before it can be heard.

This silence is not accidental. In many communities, the masses are pacified and distracted with harmful substances such as “Kush” and alcohol, numbing awareness and weakening the will to demand change. In this atmosphere, the ruling class maintains power, while the poor are left excluded from the benefits that democracy should provide.

The justice system — a pillar meant to protect the rights of all — has become a tool serving mainly the rich. When the wealthy and powerful seek justice, the system responds swiftly; when the poor cry out, their voices fade into the background. This imbalance not only deepens inequality but also erodes public trust in the very institutions meant to safeguard fairness.

Education, another cornerstone of democracy, has similarly been skewed in favor of the affluent. While the children of the wealthy enjoy access to quality schools, resources, and opportunities, those from less privileged backgrounds are left with substandard education that limits their future prospects. This educational divide ensures that the cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement continues from one generation to the next.

True democracy cannot thrive in such an environment. For it to take root and flourish, every citizen — regardless of wealth, status, or education — must be empowered to understand and exercise their rights. Civil society, policymakers, and citizens alike must confront these realities and work collectively to restore dignity, justice, and opportunity to all Sierra Leoneans.

Until then, the promise of democracy will remain just that — a promise unfulfilled.

The author is a Civil Society Activist

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,15th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)