Introduction

Background

The region currently identified as Sierra Leone has been continuously inhabited for a minimum of 2,500 years and is characterized by thick jungles that historically shielded it from incursions by West African empires. The introduction of Islam to Sierra Leone was facilitated by traders, and it plays a significant role in the cultural and historical landscape of the nation. In the 17th century, the British established a trading post in the vicinity of what is now known as Freetown. Initial trade activities focused on timber and ivory, but subsequently evolved to include the trafficking of enslaved individuals. Following the American Revolution in 1787, Sierra Leone emerged as a refuge for Black British loyalists from the newly formed United States. After Britain prohibited the slave trade in 1807, numerous liberated Africans were transported to Sierra Leone aboard British vessels. Throughout the 19th century, the colony gradually expanded its territory inland.

Sierra Leone gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961. The country held free and fair elections in 1962 and 1967; however, Siaka STEVENS, who was the second prime minister of Sierra Leone, quickly shifted towards authoritarianism, banning most political parties and maintaining power from 1967 until 1985. In 1991, soldiers from Sierra Leone initiated a civil war against STEVENS' governing party. The conflict resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced over 2 million individuals, approximately one-third of the population. A Nigerian-led coalition military force from West Africa intervened in 1998, reinstating Tejan KABBAH, who had been elected in 1996, as prime minister. In 2002, KABBAH declared the official conclusion of the civil war. Since 1998, democratic elections have been held in Sierra Leone, primarily involving the two leading political entities: the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC). Julius Maada BIO of the Sierra Leone People’s Party secured victory in the 2018 presidential election, which experienced a significant voter turnout despite some claims of voter intimidation. BIO was re-elected in June 2023, although certain irregularities raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the election results. In October 2023, the Government of Sierra Leone and the principal opposition party, the All People’s Congress, formalized the Agreement for National Unity to enhance collaboration between political factions and initiate reforms to the nation’s electoral framework.