By Kelvin Jay
A familiar political character appears to be resurfacing in Sierra Leone’s political landscape—this time in female form. Many observers now draw parallels between the late “Salone Trump” and outspoken APC member and entertainer Zainab Sheriff, whose controversial style has once again ignited public debate.
Like Salone Trump of blessed memory, Zainab Sheriff has carved a unique space in the political arena, not necessarily through polished rhetoric, but through an unfiltered, confrontational, and often humorous approach. Her frequent appearances on radio and at political gatherings rarely go unnoticed. Supporters say she brings “relief” to an otherwise tense political atmosphere, while critics argue that her style undermines serious political discourse.
Zainab’s public engagements are often marked by mispronunciations and verbal slips—such as repeatedly referring to the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) as “APRC”—which have become a source of amusement for listeners. Yet beneath the laughter lies a sharper edge. On several occasions, she has crossed into caustic commentary, bluntly stating uncomfortable truths in ways that many consider excessive or inappropriate.
That bluntness recently landed her and the All People’s Congress (APC) in trouble. During the APC mammoth meeting at the Attouga Mini Stadium, Zainab Sheriff made statements that the PPRC later described as profane and provocative. The Commission subsequently fined the APC for violating provisions of the PPRC Act.
In response, Zainab doubled down. She publicly challenged the PPRC, accusing the Commission of hypocrisy and intimidation, and declared her intention to take the matter to court. More strikingly, she warned that if the APC pays the fine on her behalf, she would have “no option” but to sue her own party as well.
Her reaction has sharply divided public opinion. Many Sierra Leoneans have rallied behind her, arguing that she is exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression and merely saying what others are afraid to voice. To them, Zainab represents a fearless, grassroots political voice—raw, imperfect, but authentic.
Others, however, strongly disagree. Critics insist that such statements have no place in a civil political society and warn that normalizing profane or inflammatory language risks lowering the standard of national discourse. A more controversial strand of opinion has gone further, suggesting that Zainab Sheriff may be grappling with mental health challenges that require attention—an assertion her supporters dismiss as unfair, stigmatizing, and politically motivated.
Whether seen as a fearless truth-teller, a political entertainer, or a reckless provocateur, one thing is clear: Zainab Sheriff, much like the Salone Trump she is compared to, has become impossible to ignore. Love her or loathe her, she continues to command attention, spark debate, and inject drama into Sierra Leone’s political conversation.
And perhaps that, more than anything else, explains why the comparison refuses to fade.
