Darkness Becomes The Routine Of Life
By: Alimatu Kargbo
As Sierra Leone approaches its 65th Independence Anniversary on Monday, April 27, the symbolism of celebration feels increasingly hollow for many citizens. What should be a moment of national pride, reflection, and renewed hope, has instead become a stark reminder of the widening gap between promise and reality. At 65, a nation is expected to stand firm, self-reliant, and progressive. Yet, for countless Sierra Leoneans, survival has become the central theme of daily life.
This year’s independence mood is not defined by fireworks, parades, or patriotic songs, but by the quiet hum of generators and the glow of power banks. “Salone @65 @ Powerbank” is not just a phrase, it is a painful metaphor. In a country blessed with abundant natural resources, citizens are forced to depend on improvised solutions to meet the most basic need, electricity. Darkness has become routine, and with it, a growing sense of frustration.
Beyond the issue of power supply lies a deeper crisis, hunger. The cost of living continues to rise at an alarming rate, while incomes remain stagnant for many households. Fuel prices continue to increase, basic food items are increasingly out of reach for the average citizen. Families are forced to make difficult choices daily: whether to eat, pay school fees, or meet other essential needs. Independence, in its truest sense, should mean freedom from such hardship. Yet, for many, that freedom feels distant.
Unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges. Sierra Leone’s young population, often described as its greatest asset, is instead facing a future clouded by uncertainty. Graduates leave universities with degrees but no opportunities. Skilled and unskilled youth alike roam the streets in search of jobs that do not exist. The consequences are visible and increasing frustration, migration dreams, and in some cases, vulnerability to crime and exploitation.
Equally concerning is the perceived shrinking space for freedom of speech. A democratic nation thrives on the ability of its citizens to express themselves openly, to question authority, and to hold leaders accountable. However, there is a growing sentiment among Sierra Leoneans that speaking out comes with risks. Fear, whether real or perceived, has begun to silence voices that are essential for national growth and accountability.
At 65, Sierra Leone should be telling a story of transformation, of how it overcame its past challenges and built a future of opportunity for all. Instead, the narrative is increasingly dominated by unmet expectations.
The question on many lips is simple but profound: what exactly are we celebrating?
This is not to deny the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people. Despite the hardships, citizens continue to push forward with remarkable strength. Entrepreneurs create opportunities out of nothing. Students pursue education against all odds. Families support each other in ways that reflect the enduring spirit of community. It is this resilience that keeps hope alive, even in difficult times.
But resilience alone is not enough. As the nation marks this milestone, there is an urgent need for reflection, not just from leaders, but from all stakeholders. Independence should not merely be commemorated; it should be meaningful. It should translate into improved living conditions, access to opportunities, and a sense of dignity for every citizen.
“Salone @65 @ Powerbank” should serve as a wake-up call rather than a slogan. It is a reminder that while the nation has aged, many of its foundational challenges remain unresolved. The task ahead is clear: to move beyond symbolic celebrations and address the realities facing the people.
As the flag is raised and speeches are delivered on April 27, Sierra Leoneans will be watching, not just with hope, but with expectation. At 65, the country owes its citizens more than words. It owes them light in their homes, food on their tables, jobs for their youth, and the freedom to speak without fear.
Until then, the celebration remains incomplete.
