Author ✍🏽 : Julius Mustapha Harding
In a thought-provoking examination of Sierra Leone’s political landscape, parallels are drawn between Niccolò Machiavelli’s principles and the country’s political practices. The discourse, inspired by Machiavelli’s seminal work The Prince, highlights how political strategies rooted in power retention shape governance in Sierra Leone, often at the expense of ethics and public trust.
Machiavelli, a 15th-century political theorist, argued that rulers must separate morality from politics to maintain power effectively. His concept of “power qua power” power for its own sake finds an unsettling resonance in Sierra Leone’s political sphere. Here, the pursuit of power often takes precedence over ethical considerations, with political elites adopting strategies reminiscent of Machiavelli’s belief that “the ends justify the means.”
Sierra Leonean politics has long been criticized for practices such as election malpractice, nepotism, and corruption. Leaders frequently employ tactics like vote-buying and the misuse of state resources to consolidate power. These actions mirror Machiavelli’s recommendation for rulers to prioritize authority over morality, raising questions about their impact on the nation’s democratic principles.
The reliance on fear as a political tool is also notable. Drawing from Machiavelli’s assertion that it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved, Sierra Leonean politicians often use intimidation and force to suppress dissent. This approach, evident in the handling of protests and political opposition, undermines public confidence in governance and fuels social unrest.
As Sierra Leone continues its journey toward development, political analysts argue that Machiavellian tactics, while effective in the short term, have long-term consequences. They erode democratic values, weaken institutions, and foster corruption. Experts call for a shift toward ethical leadership that prioritizes accountability and the public good over self-interest, emphasizing that sustainable governance requires balancing power with moral responsibility.
This analysis underscores the urgent need for reforms to rebuild trust and strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic foundations.
About The Author
Love reading your work sir👏🏾
A good article ,very insightful as it shows the parallel between the principle and Sierra leone political system. A study on how Culture and socio-economic factors influence these political behaviors in Sierra Leone, and probably suggests some reforms used locally or internationally that will guard these changes, could be useful, I enjoyed reading and learning.
Well written.