Categories: Uncategorized

China Interferes In Sierra Leone 2018 Elections

Social media videos and pictures of Chinese nationals clad in full APC party regalia, campaigning for the ruling party presidential candidate in the upcoming 2018 elections, represents the first sign of overt political interference of China or by any foreign power in Sierra Leone’s elections since independence.

This trend of Chinese people and government interference in African nation’s elections first reared its ugly head on the continent during the 2006 Zambia elections.

Just as in Zambia, the Chinese in Sierra Leone have had sizable unconscionable one-sided investments and contracts in mining, construction, fisheries, and entertainment under the current APC government, which they are determined to maintain should Samura Kamara win the presidency.

This blatant interference by Chinese nationals in the electoral process, including the construction of APC party offices throughout the country, Chinese material and financial assistance towards the upcoming elections, represents an unacceptable and reprehensible effort that requires all political actors and electoral management institutions to condemn in the strongest possible terms.

The crossing of this political Rubicon by the Chinese and APC led government is bound to engender Sierra Leonean resentment against the Chinese.   There is already a negative perception issue about Chinese interactions with ordinary Sierra Leoneans.  They are massively corrupting politicians and civil servants.   China’s citizens in Sierra Leone exhibit a pervasive lack of respect for Sierra Leoneans and, provide poor working conditions in their mines and industrial ventures.

By Kortor Kamara

Editorial Staff

Share
Published by
Editorial Staff

Recent Posts

First Lady Fatima Bio Honored at London Political Summit

Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, was honored at the 9th Annual…

4 weeks ago

Bio Launches 5th Generation Justice Reform Strategy

New Brookfields Hotel, Freetown, Thursday, 12 September 2024 — Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada…

2 months ago

Sierra Leone and China Sign $50M SMART Project Agreement

Beijing, China, Tuesday, September 3, 2024.  The Government of Sierra Leone and China National Technical…

2 months ago

The Tribunal Report

The Tribunal report on the Auditor-General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Mr. Tamba Momoh,…

2 months ago

President Bio Honors SLPP Leader Dr. Jah’s Legacy

President Julius Maada Bio joined family, SLPP members, and prominent citizens in Freetown to honor…

2 months ago

US Delegation, Sierra Leone Discuss Drug Abuse and Security Issues

Drug Abuse and Security Issues Discussed in Freetown Meeting with US Delegation Freetown, Monday, 26th…

2 months ago