
Sierra Leone: Ministry of Information and Civic Education – Update on the Nationwide Curfew (Corrected) – (26.11.2023)



“Benefitting 484 households, the Bhekindodo Water Scheme was unveiled today by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Jozini’s Ward 10 in KwaZulu-Natal. This initiative includes the installation of taps in yards across both Ward 09 and Ward 10, ensuring improved access to clean water” (African National Congress, 26.11.2023).
The great African National Congress (ANC) isn’t as grand or flashy these days. The latest ANC at Work just shows mediocrity and a lacklustre attempt to help the communities. Just imagine having the President for a visit to cut a ribbon for one tap of water. Not in-house even or such. No, no, no, this is the grand level of mediocrity. It only missed a metal plack of sorts with the opening day and a golden signatory of the President. That’s the only thing missing from the photo-ops. Everything else was there…
President Ramaphosa was made a fool of himself and his party by doing this. Yes, the communities question needs safe drinking water and water sources. That something everyone needs and that the ANC gives them water this way is fine. However, it is not supreme or the grandeur of such a long standing government. This is the sort of Banana Republic act to seem like the party or government is doing their thing. While everyone see it for what it is and the publicity isn’t worthwhile.
The President would have been better off not to cut the red ribbon and forget about the “Water Scheme” as it doesn’t serve him any favours. This isn’t sustainable and the President knows it. His opening one tap for 484 households. They have to wait in line and calculate times to use it for all their households needs. That’s why you know this isn’t serving them all at a large extent. You have only tiny tap that is where the 484 households can get their water.
How will the sanitary efforts be kept? Who will keep it clean or ensure that it doesn’t get dangerous bacteria?
Something got to give here. The ANC and Ramaphosa should be better. They should have ensured much more than a tap for water. This isn’t worthy of celebration or success. No, this is a failure and a lack of concern to the 484 households. These households and citizens deserves more than this. They should have gotten tap-water into their homes for the first time. That could have been celebrated and building a functioning pipeline for water in the state would be good news too. However, we are here just celebrating the opening of one tap.
The President celebrated the opening of one tap and not just a month ago Mr. Beast built a 100 wells. He really exposed the rotten games of NGOs and lack of service delivery from the nations while doing this. Yes, the YouTuber didn’t do it South Africa, but he could have… and Ramaphosa just shows how embarrassing things can be.
I still cannot get over it and is baffled actually. A Head of State had a ceremony over one tap. I know other President’s has done this too. Nevertheless, I am still amazed that they do it and makes it a cause for celebration. When it is really a failure and a lack of care or concern for the communities these tap(s) are supposed to serve. Peace.

“Massive arrest of security officers allegedly involved in Sunday unrest in Freetown and President Bio announces nationwide curfew to put the situation under control. Sunday incident is the second since Bio was declared winner in the disputed presidential elections” (The Alkamba Times, 26.11.2023).
“The head of operations at the Joint Force Command at Cockeril Barracks, Western Area, Freetown in Sierra Leone has been killed together with his driver. Many military personnel are said to be dead in what is being seen as the second coup attempt in the country this year” (Global News, 26.11.2023).
“Reports from Calaba Town, Jui, and Murray Town increasing fear and panic. President Bio needs to speak to his people in video right away. Not tweets and paper but Sierra Leoneans need to see him ASAP. A livestream can be broadcast directly to SLBC. Minister of Info scrubbing his location has raised questions about President’s location. I don’t think it really matters where anyone is as long as they’s safe but communicating with the public in view is vital” (Vickie Remoe, 26.11.2023).
This morning it was announced that the Wilberforce Base was attacked and that soldiers was taking arms from the armoury there. While there been later news of a prison where inmates was released in totality and the prison-guards killed. Therefore, the coup d’etat was in full effect this morning in Freetown.
Later we have gotten reports that the authorities has apprehended 30 soldiers who participated in the mutiny or coup attempt. There is no official ringleader or chief plotter for now. There is no reports who is behind it and what reason for the attempt. Usually, there is a Lieutenant Colonel or Captain who see their chance to become “transitional head of state”.
At this moment there is little information and the authorities haven’t been forthcoming. Neither is there news of the whereabouts of Bio or any of associates. There is uncertainty and worry in the air. The authorities tell people not to panic, but a prison filled with shady criminals are now roaming the streets. That is not a good look and these has to re-arrested too. This is creating chaos and possible more violence.
The Nationwide Curfew will have its results and the authorities will have a lot of people to apprehend in the coming days. There should be an expectation of uncertainty and possible violence, as there are more criminals roaming the streets. While several of coup plotters are taken in, but nothing is totally clear yet.
There are many questions unresolved here and we will only know more when the authorities and the ones partaking it talks. Until then, there is just no wiggle to speculate or try to make sense of it.
This is just shows how fragile the rule of Bio is and how the second election didn’t help him. Most certainly, the manner of which he got re-elected and sworn-in is a testament of how he misused his power and took it. That’s why there is a possibilities of a popular revolt and even a coup d’etat to succeed. As it not like the President is a beloved one or treasured right now. Peace.













