Siaka Stevens: Why He Became A Brutal Dictator? (Struggle For Power).

Siaka Stevens was the leader of Sierra Leone🇸🇱 from 1968 to 1985. He served as Prime Minister from 1968 to 1971 and as President from 1971 to 1985.
He was the third Prime Minster and the first Executive President of Sierra Leone🇸🇱.

This is the story of Dr. Siaka Stevens. This is the man who’s widely held responsible for the plight Sierra Leone🇸🇱 is in today. Upto to the 1950’s and early 1960’s, Sierra Leone🇸🇱 had strong institutions. This was a nation that was look at as a shining star🌟 in West Africa, as it was referred to as the Anthem of West Africa. Blessed with abundance natural and Human Resources. Rich in diamond💎, bauxite, rutile, gold and fish. Siaka Stevens assumed power in 1968, he and his closest colleagues looted state resources to the point that the state was unable to supply basic services and the country is yet to unravel herself from the after effects of his presidency after many years and for sometime to come. Siaka Stevens regime was very repressive and corrupt even by african standards of the time. Many of his opponents, some of which were once close associates were imprisoned and killed. The late 1960’s to mid 1970’s saw frequent states of emergency and numerous executions of political foes.
Siaka Stevens ran Sierra Leone🇸🇱 like his own personal property and this was characterized with massive looting and rampant corruption. Siaka Stevens rule saw the destruction and perversion of every State institution. Parliament was undermined, judges were bribe and the treasury was emptied to finance small projects that benefited he and his close allies.
Although Siaka Stevens had retired by the time of the Sierra Leone🇸🇱 Civil War, his misrule and corruption directly led or contributed to that conflict.
At the same time he’s widely credited for not being a tribalist, as he reduced the ethnic polarization in government by incorporating various ethnic groups into his all dominant APC government. He’s also widely credited for bringing stability to Sierra Leone🇸🇱 during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Siaka Stevens kept the country safe from civil war and armed rebellion throughout his 17 years of reign. Some considered him to be a smart and ruthless leader who knew what to do at any one time to maintain his hold on political power, as he knew how to handle critical national situations.

In this episode, we look at “The Struggle For Power Of Siaka Stevens Before He Assumed Power As Sierra Leone Third Prime Minister”. As Many People Believe That The Things He Went Through As An Opposition Leader Made Him Turned From Being A Democrat Into A Brutal Dictator.
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