Controlling Corruption in Sierra Leone: an Assessment of Past Efforts and Suggestions for the Future

Abstract

The era of unbridled corruption seems to be over in Sierra Leone. People no longer believe that they have neither rights nor responsibilities in the future of their country. Sierra Leone’s economic, social and political health depends on the involvement of its citizens and they are beginning to exercise their rights to change the political and economic climate. Since the 1980s, Sierra Leoneans have undergone the most regressive and repressive economic conditions in the country’s history. Malfeasance in both the public and private sectors has aggravated the country’s severe economic crises. The military leadership, political elites and overly ambitious civil servants have instigated and exploited opportunities to pilfer government coffers, leaving the people with few resources for adequate economic and social development. The coup d’etat seems to be the preferred method for obtaining wealth and status despite each new regime’s continued promises of reform.