By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings

“To We Sef To We Sef”: The Silent Killer of Sierra Leone’s Progress

The Krio phrase “To we sef to we sef” literally translates to “Among ourselves, for ourselves” in English. It signifies a deep-rooted culture of favoritism, where people prioritize those, they know—relatives, friends, political allies, or people from the same region or tribe—over others, even if those others are more qualified or capable.

In Sierra Leone, this mentality has crept into politics, governance, and even everyday institutions, stalling national progress and perpetuating inefficiency and corruption. Instead of selecting the best hands for leadership, appointments are often made based on familiarity and connections rather than merit and patriotism.

“To We Sef To We Sef” in the Sierra Leonean Political Context

Sierra Leone’s political system has long been plagued by tribalism, regionalism, and political favouritism. Over the years, we have seen leaders fill key government positions with individuals they trust, often at the expense of competence and national unity. This practice is driven by:

1. Fear of Betrayal– Leaders believe that only those they personally know will be loyal and will not work against them.
2. Political Patronage– Politicians reward their supporters with jobs, contracts, and positions of influence, sidelining those outside their political circles.
3. Tribal and Regional Loyalty– Many appointments are made based on where someone comes from, rather than what they can offer.

While trust in leadership is important, it should not be abused to the point where it excludes others who are capable of administering the state. The state is not a family business, nor is it a private organization where personal preferences should dictate appointments.

The Negative Effects of “To We Sef To We Sef”

The excessive practice of “To we sef to we sef” has several damaging effects on Sierra Leone’s development:

1. Lack of Meritocracy– The most competent individuals are often left out because they do not have personal ties to those in power. This weakens institutions and reduces efficiency in governance.
2. Corruption and Mismanagement– When appointments are based on familiarity rather than expertise, it creates an environment where people feel entitled to positions without accountability.
3. Exclusion and Division– Those who are not part of the “inner circle” feel alienated, leading to dissatisfaction, lack of national unity, and sometimes even political unrest.
4. Stagnation in Development– A nation cannot progress if the best minds are not given the opportunity to lead. Favoritism slows down innovation, economic growth, and effective service delivery.

The Balance: Trusting Who You Know, But Not Excluding Others

It is natural for leaders to surround themselves with people they trust, especially when implementing major policies or projects. Political loyalty is a reality in every country. However, Sierra Leone must strike a balance. While it is good to have trusted people helping in governance, it should not be to the extreme where it is noticeable and exclusionary.

1. Inclusion Matters– Leadership must recognize that competence, patriotism, and commitment to national development should come first.
2. Diversity in Governance– Bringing in people from different backgrounds, tribes, and political affiliations fosters national unity and ensures well-rounded decision-making.
3. Patriotism Over Politics– Leaders should consider individuals who have the country’s best interests at heart, not just those who are politically entrenched.

A Call for Change: Putting Sierra Leone First

Sierra Leone needs leaders who think beyond party lines, regional connections, and personal relationships. We must ask ourselves: Are we selecting the best people for the job, or just those we feel comfortable with? If our answer is the latter, then we are failing our nation.

For Sierra Leone to progress, we must break free from the “To we sef to we sef” mentality and embrace an approach that values competence, fairness, and true patriotism. Only then can we build a nation where everyone has a fair chance to contribute to its development, and where leadership is truly about service—not just about those we know.

The time for change is now. Let’s put Sierra Leone first.