Potential Causes of the Mutiny in Sierra Leone

Gunshots rang out in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, in a violent incident that left at least 19 people dead, including 13 soldiers. The armed men responsible attempted to break into an armoury near the president's residence before attacking two major prisons and releasing some inmates. The motive behind the attack remains unclear; however, there are several factors that experts believe may have contributed to the violence. One possible factor is politics. Sierra Leone experiences high unemployment, leading many individuals to seek stable government employment. Consequently, during elections, there is significant pressure to align with specific political parties to access state jobs and benefits. Losing the election means losing influence, opportunities, and access, which can create discontent among the population. Ethnic favoritism within the military and police forces further exacerbates tensions. Each new government tends to favor certain ethnic groups when it comes to promotions, transfers, and even retirement, leading to divisions among security forces. This divisive approach perpetuates dissatisfaction within the military and police. The country's bleak economic outlook may have also played a role in the events. Sierra Leone heavily relies on imports, making it vulnerable to external economic shocks. With inflation surpassing 50%, citizens feel the impact of these shocks, and there is a need for more effective policies to mitigate their effects. Furthermore, lingering discontent from the recent elections may have fueled the violence. President Julius Maada Bio narrowly secured a second term, which was contested by the main opposition party, the All People's Congress (APC). Some APC supporters, including those within the armed forces, believe the party was robbed of victory. International observers criticized the elections for a lack of transparency in the vote count, which only added to the perceived illegitimacy of the government. Experts emphasize that the recent coups in West and Central Africa did not directly influence the events in Sierra Leone. Instead, they highlight specific political and economic factors as the key drivers. To prevent future rebellions, there is a need for addressing governance issues, including election fraud and ensuring free, fair, and credible processes. Failing to do so may perpetuate questions about the legitimacy of leaders and contribute to the risk of coups.