Speeches “Boku Tok”

By Alpha Amadu Jalloh

In Sierra Leone, words have become a weapon, not in the noble sense of inspiration or mobilization, but as instruments of deception, distraction, and domination. For decades, our leaders have mastered the art of making beautiful, powerful speeches that leave citizens applauding while their pockets are emptied, their rights stripped, and their dreams deferred. The more eloquent the address, the greater the betrayal.

We are a people accustomed to oratory. From independence to the present day, we have seen leaders rise and fall, most of them leaving behind a legacy of words, not deeds. Their speeches are laced with jargons so complex, so grand, that the average Sierra Leonean finds beauty in what they cannot interpret, mistaking verbosity for vision and polished English for patriotism.

The latest example comes from President Julius Maada Bio’s recent address at the SLPP Delegates Conference in Freetown, where he declared:

“Politics is not war. Debate is not destruction. Disagreement is not betrayal. Let this be a contest of character, not chaos; of vision, not vitriol.” – President Julius Maada Bio

A quote that has since been making rounds on social media, praised by supporters and echoed in green-draped corners of the party base.

It is a beautiful quote and therein lies the tragedy. It is just that, beautiful. Empty of intent. Devoid of reflection. Hollow when weighed against the conduct of this same administration that routinely demonizes dissent, sidelines opposition, and has presided over a shrinking civic space. If disagreement is not betrayal, then why are critics treated like criminals? If debate is not destruction, then why are independent journalists harassed and intimidated? If politics is not war, then why does every election feel like a battlefield?

Let’s dissect this further. President Bio went on to say, “We are building a new Sierra Leone founded on accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance. My administration is committed to the principles of development that empower every citizen regardless of region, ethnicity, or political affiliation.”

Again, the words are immaculate. They flow well. They inspire hope. But like many of the president’s public statements, they simply do not match the reality Sierra Leoneans live with every day.

Where is the accountability when indicted officials remain untouched and protected by political connections? Where is the transparency when procurement processes are kept secret and major development projects lack public oversight? Where is the inclusivity when appointments overwhelmingly favor a select region and close associates?

President Bio is not the first to hide behind a podium, armed with carefully scripted speeches designed to tickle the ears of both donors and citizens. But what makes his administration particularly audacious is the extent to which these speeches contradict the lived experiences of the people. It is like a bad joke played over a national loudspeaker, one that only the poor and desperate are expected to laugh at.

Over and over again, we are told of “radical inclusion” and “human capital development.” We hear phrases like “fiscal consolidation,” “economic diversification,” and “digitization of public services.” The president and his team throw around these grand phrases like confetti at a wedding. And the people, worn out by hardship, uninformed by design, and hopeful by necessity, clap in admiration, hoping that if the president sounds intelligent, he must know what he is doing.

But sounding intelligent is not leadership. Leadership is delivery. It is truth. It is the courage to act in the interest of the people even when no one is watching. It is not polished speeches prepared by ghostwriters meant to give the impression that all is well when everything is falling apart.

Let us remind ourselves of the practical side of governance, the one that affects our daily lives. Schools across the country lack furniture, qualified teachers, and basic supplies. Hospitals are underfunded and understaffed. Electricity is a luxury for the few. Youth unemployment is alarming, and corruption is alive and well. If we could pave roads with speeches, Sierra Leone would be the most developed nation on Earth.

Yet, with every new scandal, the president comes out with another grand address. After every expose, another PR stunt, ribbon cuttings, international trips, and more speeches to distract the public and pretend all is well. The First Lady joins in, flying across the globe delivering remarks on behalf of a suffering people whose voices remain unheard.

This culture of oratory over action has long been the method of ruling elites in Sierra Leone. Instead of engaging citizens with honesty and clarity, they use language as a smokescreen. Every national broadcast is another episode of linguistic theatre, a display meant not to inform but to manipulate.

We must confront this dangerous addiction to speeches. We must interrogate what is said, compare it to what is done, and hold leaders accountable for the dissonance between their words and their actions. A good speech must be followed by good governance. Otherwise, it is a con.

The saddest part is that the average Sierra Leonean has been conditioned to confuse form with substance. We are made to believe that if a leader can speak fluent English and throw around academic terms, then he must be competent. That if he appears on the BBC or attends a high-level conference, then he must be making progress. We forget that progress is not measured in soundbites but in the lived realities of the people.

Look around. What has changed since the president took office? Are our lives better? Is the cost of living going down? Do we have confidence in our justice system? Are the poor less burdened? Are our young people hopeful? The answers are not in speeches. They are in the silence of hungry bellies and the frustration in our streets.

We must stop being mesmerized by the performance and start demanding substance. We must teach our people to analyze, not just applaud. We must empower citizens to question what is being said, to ask for proof, to trace every promise to its outcome.

It is not enough for the president to say, “We have secured international support for development projects.” Who are the beneficiaries? Where are the contracts? What are the timelines? Who is monitoring progress? These are the questions that must be asked, not just by journalists and civil society, but by every Sierra Leonean who is tired of being taken for a fool.

We must remember that every dictator started with a powerful speech. Every betrayal of the people began with promises wrapped in poetic lines. Words have power, yes, but only when they are matched with action. Otherwise, they are just noise.

President Bio’s latest speech may sound good on TikTok and X, but the truth is, it reflects the same old pattern, say the right things, do the wrong ones. As long as we continue to reward words without demanding action, we will continue to suffer under the rule of silver-tongued politicians who know how to talk but not how to lead.

Let us rise beyond the era of talk and no do. Let us become a nation that values integrity over oratory. A nation where speeches are followed by strategy and words give way to work. Let us demand from our leaders not just what they say, but what they actually do and what it means for the lives of the people.

Until then, let us never forget. Speeches do not build roads. Speeches do not feed families. Speeches do not pay school fees. And speeches will never set us free. Our politicians should walk the walk and not perfect the talk.