CSO Blasts “Labelleh”& unpatriotic CSOs in Sierra Leone

By:  Mustaph Ezekiel Dumbuya

The Chief Executive Director (CEO) of Citizen Rights Network Sierra Leone Ibrahim Bai Koroma in an exclusive interview has described some Civil Society groups that are forcing themselves to be part in the  government architecture rather than working for the interest of the country as unpatriotic.

According to him, the mandate of Civil Society is to serve as watch dogs of society and to check mate the powers of the government and not to advocate for position or be part of governance as they are doing now to the present president asking for portfolios now positions.

Mr. Koroma warned all unpatriotic Civil Societies to stay away from politics and focus on their work instead of involving on such act.

The CEO stated that the act of his colleagues is unacceptable and disgraceful to see Civil Society representatives roaming about for position rather than doing what they are expected to do.

He said the performance of others has left the public with no option but to label them as “evil Society” Instead of Civil society.

Mr. Koroma further disclosed that because of those unpatriotic Civil Society groups, the trust Sierra Leoneans have for CSOs has now been eroded to the lowest ebb.

He said now people are looking CSOs with disdain and even give reasons for their international donor partners to find it difficult to fund them.

He urges other Civil Society groups that believe in the vision of Civil Society not to follow the bad Ones.

The Executive Director stressed on issues that are affecting the country and the ordinary man that should have been championed by CSOs, but failed to do so instead they embark on requesting for appointment.

He warned all Civil Society to stay away from active politics, but if they choose to be, they should quit the Civil Society arena and become politicians.

Mr. Koroma also stressed that it is a disgrace to see Civil Society advocating for appointment instead of seeking the interest of the people at a crucial moment like this .