By John Kelly Marah
Retired senior police officer, former student activist, and human rights advocate, Tayib Bah, has called for an end to Sierra Leone’s “winner-takes-all” political system, urging the adoption of a more inclusive governance model that promotes unity, accountability, and national cohesion.
Speaking at an extraordinary press conference in Freetown, Bah said his return to Sierra Leone was motivated by deep concern over the country’s increasing political polarization and what he described as a persistent culture of “revenge, greed and vindictiveness” that often accompanies political transitions.
Bah, who played a prominent role during the historic 1977 student demonstrations at Fourah Bay College, reflected on his longstanding commitment to national justice and democratic reforms. He recounted how he became involved in student activism after opposing economic measures reportedly linked to recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which included plans to reduce the country’s labor force.
“I love this country and I have fought for this country for several years,” Bah stated, emphasizing that his activism had always been driven by a desire to protect ordinary Sierra Leoneans and promote social justice.
The retired officer, who joined the Sierra Leone Police Force in 1984, also spoke about his professional challenges, including what he described as victimization within the system and his eventual dismissal. According to Bah, he later challenged the dismissal at the ECOWAS Court, where he secured a favorable ruling that he believes paved the way for Sierra Leoneans seeking justice for violations of their rights.
Expressing dissatisfaction with Sierra Leone’s political environment, Bah warned that the current political structure fuels division, mistrust, and hostility between rival political parties.
“We share one DNA as Sierra Leoneans. We share our sorrows, our happiness and our wealth. Why can’t we share power?” he questioned.
Bah dismissed suggestions that his intervention was politically motivated or linked to personal ambitions, insisting that he has no interest in public office.
“I am not here for politics. I want to be an elder statesman. I want to help build a Sierra Leone where political affiliation is no longer a stigma,” he declared.
Advocating for reforms, Bah proposed a governance system that would encourage greater political inclusion, arguing that proportional representation (PR) could enhance accountability and reduce corruption through shared responsibility in governance.
He criticized what he described as a recurring cycle in which successive governments allegedly target political opponents through commissions of inquiry, dismissals, and intimidation, warning that such actions continue to undermine national unity.
“The national cake is not a trophy. It is a meal for every Sierra Leonean,” Bah remarked, while calling on journalists to play a leading role in fostering national dialogue and political tolerance.
He further appealed to the media, describing journalists as the “fourth estate,” to actively contribute to shaping a peaceful political culture as the country gradually approaches the 2028 general elections.
Bah maintained that Sierra Leone’s long-term development and stability depend on political inclusiveness, peaceful coexistence, and governance systems that reflect the country’s shared values and collective identity.
