Corruption in Sierra Leone

Corruption in Sierra Leone is deeply embedded in the nation's political, economic, and social fabric. Despite various anti-corruption efforts, historical legacies, patronage networks, and cultural normalization of bribery continue to hinder governance. The persistence of corruption is not merely a failure of policy but rather a deeply rooted issue that stems from pre-colonial governance systems, the transatlantic slave trade, colonial exploitation, and post-independence political mismanagement. The effects of corruption have transcended generations, shaping governance behaviours and institutional inefficiencies through an epigenetic process that reinforces bribery, nepotism, and weak institutions (Bangura, 2021).

This article examines the historical roots of corruption in Sierra Leone, tracing its evolution from the era of the Kingdom of Koya to the present day. It also explores how the epigenetic transmission of corruption has influenced contemporary governance and suggests strategies for reform.

Historical Roots of Corruption in Sierra Leone

The Kingdom of Koya, established around 1505 by the Temne people in present-day Sierra Leone, was significantly affected by internal corruption and its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. While the kingdom formally engaged in the slave trade, much of it was privatized, with individuals conducting unauthorized trading along the coast. This lack of centralized control led to personal profit taking precedence over national stability (Gberie, 2022). Bribery became widespread as local officials and slave traders sought to increase profits, weakening governance and creating a fragmented system of power.

The decentralized nature of the slave trade within Koya fostered corruption as local rulers and traders prioritized their personal economic gain over the stability of the state. Corrupt practices among leadership eroded central authority, making it difficult for rulers to enforce policies and weakening institutional frameworks. As these corrupt actors operated independently, internal conflicts and power struggles became common, further destabilizing the kingdom (Wikipedia, 2023).

Slave raiding, a significant aspect of Koya’s economy, contributed to the kingdom’s decline. The militarization required for large-scale slave raids diverted state resources away from governance and toward warfare. Political infighting became rampant as state officials prioritized wealth accumulation over public service. Corruption within leadership ranks created vulnerabilities that external forces later exploited.

By the late nineteenth century, Koya had become so weakened by internal corruption and the destabilizing effects of the slave trade that it was unable to resist external intervention. Expanding their colonial rule, the British found the kingdom vulnerable and annexed it as a protectorate in 1896. Subsequent revolts by the Temne and Mende in 1898 ultimately failed, leading to the complete loss of Koya’s sovereignty (Wikipedia, 2023). Internal corruption, governance failures, and decentralized slave trading practices contributed significantly to the kingdom’s downfall, reinforcing a pattern of corruption that would persist into the colonial and post-colonial eras.

Corruption became further institutionalized during British colonial rule (1808–1961). The British administration appointed local chiefs to collect taxes, enforce policies, and maintain law and order, but many of these chiefs exploited their positions for personal gain. The misuse of tax revenues, bribery, and favouritism became widespread as colonial intermediaries used their authority to extract wealth from the local population (Acemoglu & Robinson, 2012). Colonial officials often tolerated these corrupt practices as long as they did not disrupt economic interests, allowing corruption to become deeply embedded in Sierra Leone’s governance system.

Following independence in 1961, Sierra Leone’s new leaders inherited a political culture where patronage and bribery were the norm. Political elites continued the practices of colonial rulers by using state resources to reward loyal supporters and accumulate personal wealth. Government positions were distributed based on political loyalty rather than merit, leading to widespread inefficiency and economic instability. The civil war from 1991 to 2002 further intensified corruption, with warlords looting state resources, trafficking diamonds, and engaging in illicit financial activities (Richards, 2016). By the war's end, corruption had become so entrenched that it remained a structural issue in Sierra Leone’s governance.

Epigenetic Effects of Corruption in Sierra Leone

The persistence of corruption in Sierra Leone can partly be explained by epigenetic transmission, where long-term exposure to corrupt practices has shaped social behaviours, governance structures, and economic realities. Decades of corruption have conditioned Sierra Leoneans to view bribery, nepotism, and patronage as everyday aspects of governance and daily life. This generational transmission occurs through parental socialization, workplace expectations, and collective trauma (Meaney, 2010). Parents who live under corrupt regimes often pass down attitudes of mistrust in government and acceptance of bribery as a necessary survival tactic. Young professionals entering the workforce expect to pay bribes for promotions and government contracts, perpetuating corruption in public institutions. Years of war, dictatorship, and economic instability have also fostered a psychological detachment from civic responsibility, reinforcing corruption as an unavoidable reality (Hope, 2023).

The long-term effects of corruption on Sierra Leone’s social psychology have led to trust erosion and moral disengagement. Citizens increasingly view political leaders as self-serving and dishonest, leading to widespread public disengagement and apathy. People are discouraged from reporting corruption as they believe efforts to demand accountability are futile. Over time, bribery has come to be rationalized as a necessity rather than a crime, further embedding corruption into the national consciousness (Transparency International, 2023).

Cognitive dissonance has also played a role in justifying corruption. Many bribery officials experience internal conflict between their moral values and corrupt actions but rationalize their behaviour by blaming low salaries or systemic pressures. Similarly, ordinary citizens who engage in bribery to access essential services often justify their actions as necessary due to a dysfunctional system. This psychological justification reinforces corrupt behaviours, making them harder to eradicate (Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004).

The economic and institutional consequences of corruption are equally severe. The judicial system is compromised, as corruption prevents accountability and allows influential individuals to evade justice. Foreign investors remain hesitant to engage with Sierra Leone due to concerns over corruption, limiting economic growth. Government agencies remain ineffective, as patronage networks block reform efforts and allow corruption to persist (World Bank, 2023).

Addressing Corruption: Strategies for Reform

Structural reforms and cultural shifts are necessary to break the cycle of corruption in Sierra Leone. Public education and media campaigns can challenge the normalization of bribery and promote civic responsibility. Introducing anti-corruption education in schools can help dismantle the generational transmission of corrupt behaviours (Sesay, 2021). Strengthening institutional accountability is also crucial. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) must have complete independence from political interference, and judicial reforms must ensure that corruption cases are prosecuted swiftly and fairly.

Whistleblower protection is essential to encourage citizens to report corruption without fear of retaliation. Implementing anonymous reporting systems can expose corrupt practices while safeguarding those who come forward. Civil society organizations must play a more significant role in mobilizing grassroots movements that demand accountability from government institutions.

Economic and financial transparency must also be prioritized. Strengthening financial oversight mechanisms can help prevent illicit wealth accumulation, and introducing digital governance systems can minimize opportunities for bribery by reducing human interactions in public services. If effectively implemented, these measures can begin to break the historical and epigenetic cycle of corruption in Sierra Leone.

References

Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A. (2012). Why nations fail: The origins of power, prosperity, and poverty. Crown Business.

Bangura, Y. (2021). Elite corruption and governance in West Africa. Cambridge University Press.

Cialdini, R. B., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004). Social influence: Compliance and conformity. Annual Review of Psychology, 55(1), 591-621.

Gberie, L. (2022). The history of corruption in Sierra Leone. Palgrave Macmillan.

Hope, K. R. (2023). Corruption and governance in Africa: Sierra Leone’s struggle for transparency. Routledge.

Meaney, M. J. (2010). Epigenetics and the biological basis of individual differences. Child Development, 81(1), 41-79.

Richards, P. (2016). Fighting for the rain forest: War, youth & resources in Sierra Leone. Heinemann.

Transparency International. (2023). Corruption Perceptions Index: Sierra Leone’s challenges. Berlin, Germany.

World Bank. (2023). Ease of Doing Business Report: Governance and regulatory challenges in Sierra Leone. Washington, D.C.