bakarr bangs

@MichaelBasita Sadly, some unscrupulous opposition are in bed with this rogue regime. Instead of challenging these lies and propaganda, they’re busy chasing after their flag bearer. Sad state of affairs in our country

Electoral Reforms - Progress or Pretence? Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, declared “real progress” toward credible and transparent elections, citing 37 completed electoral reforms, 47 ongoing, and 16 set to begin. On paper, these numbers suggest a government committed to strengthening democracy. But when 74% of Sierra Leoneans, roughly 6.6 million people, say they have never even heard of the country’s electoral reform process, according to the 2025 Afrobarometer Round 10 survey, the Chief Minister’s claims ring hollow. The demographic breakdown is even more troubling. Only 16% of women, 20% of rural residents, and a mere 13% of northerners are aware of these reforms, as noted in an August 2025 editorial by Truth Media. If the majority of citizens are unaware of these changes, how can they trust them? How can they engage with them? How can they believe in a process they’ve been excluded from? Democratic legitimacy demands more than legal authority. It requires public participation, transparency, and informed consent. Section 5(2) of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution is unequivocal: “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Sierra Leone from whom Government through this Constitution derives all its powers, authority and legitimacy.” Yet, when three-quarters of the population is left in the dark, these reforms risk being seen not as tools for credible elections but as instruments of manipulation, shrouded in secrecy and serving hidden agendas. Structural barriers, including low literacy rates, limited internet access, and sparse electricity, have long excluded rural residents, women, and the poorest citizens from political discourse. These gaps demand proactive outreach, not passive reliance on urban-centric media or elite-driven committees. As Truth Media’s editor aptly stated, “If Sierra Leone is to build a truly representative electoral system, it must start by listening to the 74% who haven’t been given a seat at the table.” Political and constitutional reforms cannot be the exclusive domain of political parties or government insiders. Electoral reforms are for the people of Sierra Leone, not for one political party or the politicians. Excluding the public undermines the very principles of security, peace, and welfare that the government is duty-bound to uphold under the 1991 Constitution. If government truly believes in democracy, it must prioritize inclusive communication and public engagement. Reforms conducted in the shadows, no matter how many are “completed” or “ongoing,” lack legitimacy. The road to credible and transparent elections begins and ends with the people. Without their trust and participation, we are not walking toward democracy; instead we are walking away from it.

@dsengeh @julius_maadabio No sane and level headed Sierra Leonean that’s in tune with our political history will call Maada a father democracy. He’s actually the antonym of the word DEMOCRACY

Why is President @julius_maadabio called the Father of Democracy? He makes bold decisions about the future of Sierra Leone

@USEmbFreetown Implementation of the MCC without the full implementation of the tripartite recommendations is an endorsement of tyranny and undemocratic principles

@Cee_Bah What happened to the $400 million power plant that was announced to be built by your govt and the American embassy??

The partnership between the #UnitedStates and #SierraLeone is strong and continues to show dividends. This is another game changer. #salonebigpaswiall

Journalist @JosefSkrdlik exposed the luxury property portfolio of Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio — but despite the anger it triggered, Bio has said she owes “no explanation” about the real estate she and her family own. Now, Josef takes you behind the scenes of the story.

@MichaelBasita It’s sad and silly to see grown adults like Napoleon and Keketomah throwing tantrums over a descriptive adjective word ‘sycophant’ but are okay to being referred to as ‘DOGS’…they should collectively take a hike

My learned friend, thanks for affirming the importance of freedom of expression in our democracy. I agree that public discourse should be constructive and respectful, as abusive language is neither my intent nor my forte. However, I respectfully disagree that my post was insulting or flippant. It was a critique of systemic issues, corruption allegations, reported luxury property acquisitions and the perceived failures of institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission, opposition parties, and media. These serious matters demand transparency and accountability. Your response focuses on tone rather than engaging with these substantive issues, which risks undermining public trust. For clarity, the use of “sycophant” refers to individuals who excessively flatter or agree with those in power to gain favour, often at the expense of honest counsel. This term, drawn from its dictionary definition, was not a personal attack but a description of a behaviour that can weaken governance. Government must address these concerns directly whether by refuting inaccuracies, sharing evidence of progress, or strengthening our institutions. Let us not waste time debating non-insults. Let us focus on addressing the core issues raised, rather than debating tone, insults or diverging from the public’s concerns. Thank you for emphasizing our shared bonds as sisters, brothers, and colleagues. I wish you had expressed similar sentiments when our colleagues at the Bar were disenfranchised and humiliated in Kenema, and tear-gassed by police at New Brookfields Hotel, simply for exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and association. Regarding your comment yesterday, I reject the assertion that my academic paper defending the constitution during the former Vice President Sam Sumana’s sacking makes me a “sycophant.” That paper, written years ago, was my analysis of constitutional principles, not an endorsement of any individual or agenda. I was never part of the government, nor did I seek or was given favour from those in power. To equate a single academic opinion with sycophancy, under my definition or any other, distorts the term’s meaning. Agree or disagree with my opinion but my commitment then, as now, is to principled discourse on our constitution and the rule of law, not flattery or partisanship. I remain hopeful for continued constructive criticism and dialogue to strengthen our democracy. Peace.

@superrod001 @MichaelBasita @thomasd05987132 @LamranaAmadu You should do the verification for us and report to your pay masters at state house because some of us knew about these houses a long time ago. This is just a tip of h th e iceberg

@MichaelBasita The media have been very vocal. They have been allowed to criticise and ask questions. Journalists like @thomasd05987132 and @LamranaAmadu ask a lot of questions. I don't think the media is censored. I see a lot of media criticisms of the system.

President Julius Maada Bio’s regime, unopposed by a weak and feeble opposition, unhindered by a compromised Anti-Corruption Commission, unchecked by a largely self-censored media, surrounded and propped up by sycophants and yes men who are unwilling or scared to disagree with him and offer him honest counsel, have driven citizens to rely on foreign outlets like Reuters, Africa Confidential, The Times, and OCCRP to expose scandals, such as the luxury property acquisitions by the First Lady and her family in The Gambia, which have been widely discussed locally but only gained traction through international reporting. The regime’s confrontations with foreign entities, including mining company OCTEA, alongside incidents like the country becoming a haven transshipment of drugs, are gradually shaping the president’s legacy overshadowing any positive achievements. Sadly unrestrained power and corruption have pitted the regime against foreign entities, which have become de facto watchdogs, filling the void left by failing national institutions such as the ACC, opposition, and media. Though their motives may not always be devoid of self-serving interests, their role underscores a failing democracy, where accountability and the rule of law elude us. To salvage our democracy, we must recommit to a free press, a robust and fair justice system, and the rule of law, empowering citizens, not outsiders, to drive accountability and shape the future of the land that we love.

@OCCRP Here’s an earlier clip of the same song displaying huge amount of pound-sterling’s and dollars while the average kid in Sierra Leone couldn’t afford 2 square meals a day

From a London council flat to coastal villas, a four-story apartment building, and more: How Sierra Leone's first lady and relatives upgraded their real estate after her husband became president occrp.org/en/investigati…

@OCCRP One of the First Lady’s son from another marriage was seen living an opulence lifestyle in London. Pls focus your investigative raider him and her other children living in the U.K

@ministerjenv The inspector general of police said the man in question is Umar Sheriff with a Sierra Leonean passport to the effect. Help clean our country from this cocaine govt of @julius_maadabio

@KYumkella that was your post when the auditor general was suspended, what’s your position now that her unjustified sacking becomes official???

@Keketoma_Sandi @PresidentBio Urge ECSL and thieving president to produce the 2023 elections results

“….I urge the main opposition, the APC, to demonstrate leadership and, in clear conscience, speak out frankly to their supporters that we must embrace each other and ensure peace and stability in Sierra Leone.” @PresidentBio’s Presidential Address on Saturday 15th June 2024.

@USEmbFreetown @USStateDepartm2 @UKinSierraLeone @EUinSierraLeone

@USEmbFreetown @USStateDepartm2 @UKinSierraLeone @EUinSierraLeone *Europe’s Most Wanted Drug Lord and Fugitive, Jos Leijdekkers (A.K.A, Bello Jos ), finds a safe sanctuary in Sierra Leone under the full protection of the Chief Immigration Officer and the

@TYMorad @SenSanders You should be ashamed of yourself…how many more innocent souls will have to die before you regain your consciousness if at all you had one??

@SenSanders Enough with the lies and smears @SenSanders. Israel is not starving Palestinian children.

Netanyahu is upset. He cancelled a delegation to DC because the U.S. abstained from a resolution calling for a ceasefire. But he’s not so upset that he’ll turn down $3.3B in taxpayer dollars to fund his immoral war. No more money for Netanyahu to starve Palestinian children.

@SenSanders It’s about time the U.S govt put their feet down. How can they justify protecting Isreal when they’re obliterating innocent children in Gaza??

@Cee_Bah @MoiceComm If he was involved in your govt operated kush trade while living in Guinea, why was he handed over to you when they could’ve charged him for drug dealing in their country??…you’re a young man damaging your career working for these despots. Anyways, birds of the same feathers

Update on arrests related to the failed November 26th coup in #SierraLeone. @MoiceComm

@Presidency_SL Maada Bio is a ruthless murderer and a shameless thief that has once sold our country’s passports to Chinese for personal gains..inviting him to your prestigious university is an insult to humanity and the rule of law @penn_state @AfricanaUPenn

His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio will deliver the 3rd Annual Distinguished Lecture in African Studies of the Center for Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. The Public Lecture with the theme “Navigating the Future: Democracy, Progressive Politics, and Inclusive Development in Africa ─ The #SierraLeone Experience” is billed to be held on March 25, 2024, at Perry World House. His Excellency President Bio’s choice as this year’s Guest Lecturer stems from his exemplary leadership and growing pan-African influence as a committed democrat, people-centric leader, and an apostle of Good Governance and Inclusive Development in #Africa. The lecture series began in the 2021-2022 academic year to highlight the most significant leaders and voices in Africa, including eminent politicians, prominent and vibrant scholars, artists, and critical thinkers in African Studies. His Excellency @PresidentBio becomes the 3rd African Leader to deliver this important lecture, after the first Black Nobel Laureate in Literature, Nigeria’s Professor Wole Soyinka, and the President of Botswana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi. #PresidencySL🇸🇱 @Penn @AfricanaUPenn @pennlaw @PennGlobal @Wharton

The govt buried so-called dead kush victims but not all of them are dead. On the first 5secs, one of the dead moved their hand but it was stepped upon. It’s a crime against humanity @USEmbFreetown @UKinSierraLeone @EUinSierraLeone @amnesty

@ContehTawa That list was out before your govt fake coup and all of them were in detention for no damn reason. You and your murderous president have slaughtered most of them reason why you fake a coup, opened the prison to let other prisoners out so you can do what you’re doing right now.

This morning on AYV wake up Salone I intimated Sierra Leoneans on the list submitted by the APC party as per the communique to be released from prison or exile, with those whose names are lynchpins in the attempted coup. What a coincidence. The people need to know the truth.