By Davida Spaine Solomon
Freetown, 11th March, 2026 — A new citizen-led reform initiative, Running Out of Time Salone (ROOTS), has been launched in Freetown with a bold call for Sierra Leoneans to unite and demand greater accountability, economic reform, and responsible governance from political leaders.
The launch ceremony at Lac Villa, Red Pump, drew civil society actors, government representatives, diplomats, journalists, and development partners, all rallying behind the movement’s mission to promote issue-driven politics and shift the rules of the political and economic game.
Professor Fredline M’Cormack, Coordinator of ROOTS, said the movement was born out of growing dissatisfaction among Sierra Leoneans who feel the country has failed to realize its vast potential. She warned against the mistaken belief that progress depends solely on which party holds power.
“We live in a country we are not happy about,” she said. “Political parties polarize society, and civil society groups sometimes align with party agendas. ROOTS is here to encourage competition around Sierra Leone’s progress, not division.”
She cautioned that without a change in political strategy, elections alone would not deliver transformation. “If we do not change the political approach, we will only change personnel in 2028; nothing will change,” she added.
Andrew Lavali, Executive Director of the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), echoed the call for change, describing Sierra Leone as a nation blessed with abundant resources but struggling to translate them into development.
“It doesn’t matter which region you are from, which party you support, or which mother tongue you speak; none of us is proud of where we are,” Lavali said. He criticized politicians for competing to inherit systems that hold the country back rather than reforming them.
“The power of political parties is nothing compared to the power of an organized group of well-meaning citizens,” he stressed, noting that ROOTS aims to mobilize citizens to demand improved governance and service delivery.
The movement plans to concentrate its activities in Bo, Bonthe, Kenema, Bombali, Tonkolili, and Port Loko, challenging entrenched political divisions and encouraging citizens to think differently about politics. Planned activities include civic education campaigns, community mobilization, research on public messaging, and the development of a Citizen’s Manifesto to engage political parties.
Organisers also highlighted the importance of combating misinformation and promoting informed debate through collaboration with journalists and civil society groups.
The Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely platform to strengthen democratic participation. He emphasized that democracy should be about ideas, policy choices, and civic engagement, not just elections.
Haja Marie Bob-Kandeh, Coordinator of the Federation of Business Women and Entrepreneurs Sierra Leone Chapter, also praised the launch, stressing the importance of civic education to ensure citizens are better informed and actively involved in governance.
The event featured the unveiling of the ROOTS logo, website, and Creed, marking the official start of a nationwide campaign to mobilize citizens around governance reform and national development.
Organisers underscored the central message: Sierra Leoneans must organize collectively if they want political actors to change their behavior and prioritize the country’s progress.
