Young Life in Freetown: Debate Awakens Political Dragon


Few events in the 2018 election campaign can compare to a broadcast held earlier this week. All day Thursday, radio and television sets blared across the city.  Nothing could be more important.  




The top six presidential candidates approached Bintumani Conference Center at Aberdeen, Freetown in grand style. Each of them entered the hall with beaming faces, igniting the political ambiance.

Hassan Arouni, a Sierra Leonean journalist working for the British Broadcasting Cooperation, was the moderator.

There were other radio and television presenters plus local and international journalists, covering the event around the globe.

Streaming services for small screens were made available by Africa Young Voices, one of the most popular television stations.

No sooner had the introductions been made, than the contenders kicked off their political wrestling.

They all stepped up to the pedestal, as they articulated their policies, visions, dreams, and plans they have in store for the people of Sierra Leone.

The debate demonstrates a sea change in the political evolution of Sierra Leone.

In the aftermath of the event, people gather round in public, grading their candidates. 

A good number say Dr. Samura Mathew Kamara (All People's Congress) was the best debater.

Others give credit to Dr. Kollleh Kandeh Yumkella (National Grand Coalition) and many more choose Alhaji Musa Trawally (Citizens Democratic Party), retired Army brigadier general Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone People's Party) Mohamed Kamaramba Mansaray (Alliance Democratic Party) or Chief Alhaji Samsumana (Coalition for Change), as the best debater.

Only six out of the sixteen presidential nominees took part in the event, but the debate appears to have changed a few hearts and minds based on the performance of the candidates.

One woman said she plans to switch from the Sierra Leone People's Party to All People's Congress. After watching the debate, she said that there could be no better person than Dr. Samura Kamara to lead Sierra Leone.

Young Zainab Jalloh, a student and a first-time voter, who was never sure who to vote for, has finally chosen Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, saying how thrilled she was, after hearing his ideas on how to make Sierra Leone a better place for all.

The extraordinary debate has awakened the political dragon, whose fire is felt in every corner of the country. However, as the dragon's fire of debate continues to blaze, so the clock goes on ticking.

We cannot wait to see who will become the next president of this great nation. And if a nonviolent environment is created now, there's hope yet we might have a peaceful election.

For Young Life in Freetown, I'm Inyilla Borteh Conteh reporting.

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