By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
TRIPARTITE TENSIONS IN SIERRA LEONE – A CALL FOR CHANGE & THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMMON MAN
In recent months, Sierra Leone has found itself engulfed in a wave of political uncertainty driven by what has now become popularly known as the Tripartite Tensions. At the heart of the developing narrative lies the deep-rooted mistrust between the nation’s two major political parties — the ruling and the opposition — who continue to accuse each other of insincerity, deception, and unwillingness to engage honestly in the national interest. What was intended to serve as a platform for reconciliation, electoral review, and democratic advancement has instead become a battlefield for political dominance, further widening the national divide.
The Tripartite framework was embraced with high expectations by citizens who believed it would serve as a new chapter for dialogue, partnership, and genuine democratic rebuilding following a tense post-election atmosphere. However, the reality today paints a very different picture. Each party claims to be committed to national progress, yet both consistently accuse the other of bad faith — one side alleges that the other refuses to collaborate or communicate, while the other argues that the process is being hijacked with dishonesty, secrecy, and low transparency.
To the ordinary citizen, this growing blame game evokes fear, frustration, and exhaustion. The common man is no longer interested in political rhetoric or party pride — he wants peace, bread on the table, access to jobs, a stable economy, and a secure future for his children. But instead of progress, the Tripartite process now mirrors a tug-of-war between power and ego, while the public silently suffers the consequences.
Sierra Leoneans are not blind to the pattern: every political settlement that is meant to correct national challenges seems to become another source of political rivalry. The very processes designed to build democracy repeatedly collapse under the weight of suspicion and political competition. As citizens watch, their disappointment continues to deepen — not necessarily because disagreements exist, but because there is no commitment to fairness, honesty, or patriotism strong enough to override party interest.
The call for change is now louder than ever — not change of party, but change of behavior, change of political mindset, and change of approach to governance and opposition. Sierra Leoneans dream of a nation where national reforms are not reduced to political advantage; where consultations are genuine and not cosmetic; where leaders speak truth and act truthfully; and where the democratic process is a sacred responsibility, not a political weapon.
The common man in Sierra Leone expects the following:
- Honesty and transparency in the Tripartite process, not hidden agendas and selective communication.
- Sincere collaboration between political actors, where the focus shifts from “who wins” to “what works for the country.”
- Respect for democratic principles, even when they do not benefit one’s political camp.
- Protection of national peace and stability, without using tension and uncertainty as negotiation tools.
- Visible improvement in living standards, because political peace without economic wellbeing is meaningless.
Sierra Leone has reached a moment of truth. The world is watching, the citizens are listening, and posterity will judge. If the Tripartite platform fails, it will not be a failure of structure — it will be a failure of leadership, sincerity, and patriotism. But if it succeeds, it will mark a turning point in the nation’s democratic history and set a new standard for political maturity, accountability, and national unity.
Ultimately, the message from citizens to politicians is simple yet powerful: “Stop fighting for power — start fighting for Sierra Leone.” Until this becomes the priority, the Tripartite process will remain a theatre of tension instead of a pathway to progress
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 28th November 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
