Sierra Leone’s 2023 Elections THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND CIVIC SPACE
At the edge of the 1980s, the world witnessed the emergence of a new world order: the crumbling of the Berlin Wall4, and by extension
the end of the “cold war”5 and the triumph of liberal democracy6. Coincidentally, while the Berlin Wall collapsed on November 9, 19897, Sierra Leone stood on the brink of its major epoch: the commencement of armed struggle to depose an allegedly unpopular, illegitimate and repressive regime in the 1990s. This was triggered by what was identified as the “East Wind” in late 19808, resulting in major changes with the fall of one-party systems and the rise of multi-party governments in the post cold war era. Before 1991, the civil society trajectory in Sierra Leone lacked autonomy. In addition, the judicial and accountability framework was practically dysfunctional.
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About the author
Issa Bangura is a Bachelor of Law student from the University of Sierra Leone, and a 1st Class-1st Division with Honours graduate student in Mass Communication from the aforementioned. A result-driven professional with more than five years demonstrated experience in organisational and leadership skills with a proven commitment to human and people’s rights especially women and children. Proven competences in project development and management, evidence-based advocacy, problem solving and design, child protection, and gender equality. Strong skills in strategic advocacy, communication, research, data analysis, coalition building and organisational development. He serves as the Communication Officer at Defence for Children International in Sierra Leone.
