His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has called on politicians across Sierra Leone to rise above ethnic and regional divisions, stressing that leadership should be based on competence rather than tribal affiliation.
Speaking during a town hall meeting, President Bio said his administration reflects national unity, noting that members of his staff come from different ethnic and regional backgrounds. He disclosed that his former chef was a Temne woman who served him for two years before leaving after getting married. He also stated that members of his security team and his spokesperson are from the northern region of the country.
“I had a chef who was a Temne woman. She worked with me for 6 years until she got married,” the President said.
President Bio maintained that his focus has always been on recruiting capable and committed individuals regardless of their ethnic or political background. He cited the appointments of Alpha Khan and Victor Foh, both prominent figures associated with the All People’s Congress (APC), as examples of his willingness to work with qualified people across party lines.
He challenged political leaders and citizens alike to reject ethnic politics and embrace national unity, emphasizing that Sierra Leone’s progress depends on breaking down ethnic barriers and promoting inclusiveness in governance and public service.
