Perceived Influencing Factors of Political Instability In Sierra Leone. A Case of Bo District
Fassie Manju
, Ibrahim Munu
INFLUENCING, FACTORS, POLITICAL, INSTABILITY, BO
Abstract Political instability in most of Africa is an age-old problem, especially in the period immediately following the decades of rapid attainment of independence. Without any prejudice to external factors in this dilemma, the behaviors of some African leaders are often significant contributors to this problem. With the advent of democracy in Africa, one would have thought that the continent would soar above its instability problems and focus on more pragmatic ideologies and practices with the most significant potential for promoting its much-desired socio-economic development. However, Africa continues to experience political instability at levels militating against socio-economic growth and development, even with the varying democratic dispensations within the continent. In the above context, Sierra Leone has experienced her own fair share of the problems of political instability in the continent. For instance, the country’s political landscape is characterized by political upheavals since independence in 1961. Notwithstanding the practice of democracy in contemporary times, the country has seen a series of incidences that can be related to political instability, thus provoking thoughts about the usefulness of our democracy, especially relating to the nation’s inability to limit the occurrences of political discord. Incidentally, the factors that are perceived to be influencing this awkward situation in the country are becoming more noticeable among stakeholders in contemporary times. It is much against this background and the possible backlash of ignoring these political instabilities that this study was conducted to identify and document the perceived factors influencing political instability in Sierra Leone, specifically focusing on the Bo District and to possibly proffer suggestions which are likely to ameliorate the problem of political instability in Sierra Leone. The literature reviewed has largely indicated that some nations, such as Singapore—and---, which had independence almost at the same time as Sierra Leone—have benefited from some level of growth and development largely due to the political stability they have enjoyed over the years. This study explored both primary and secondary data sources. Questionnaires were administered to 220 respondents, who were selected through a purposive randomized sampling technique based on their resourcefulness regarding the issue under consideration. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The study revealed that most respondents attained a reasonable level of formal education, making them the most resourceful targeted population for this study regarding their understanding of political instability, which the majority perceived as the breakdown of law and order in the state. Furthermore, it was revealed that the study area has been and continues to be prone to political instability, partly due to the high vulnerability of youths, who are mostly unemployed and, therefore, often stricken with poverty. More importantly, key underlying influencing factors of political instability identified by our respondents included tribalism, varying forms of discrimination at all levels, joblessness, and rampant corruption. Given the above findings, our respondents offered the following suggestions, which could go a long way in ameliorating the problems of political instability in the study area and by extension Sierra Leone . There is a need to strengthen crucial state institutions, making them more independent in dispensing their state's functions. Due to the newness of democracy in Sierra Leone, the need for a more robust public national sensitization about tribal, regional and political accommodation cannot be overemphasized The study was mainly constrained by time and other resources needed for its completion Finally, due to the exhaustive nature of this study, the need for similar studies in other districts in Sierra Leone must be considered.
"Perceived Influencing Factors of Political Instability In Sierra Leone. A Case of Bo District", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.9, Issue 11, page no.123 - 130, November-2024, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2411016.pdf
Volume 9
Issue 11,
November-2024
Pages : 123 - 130
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_212626
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2411016
Downloads: 000346998
Research Area: Social Science and Humanities
Country: Bo City, Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14192597
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
