Sierra Leon at 50 confronting old problems and preparing for new challenges

Abstract

This document focused on Sierra Leone's development in its last 50 years. One of the compelling lessons of Sierra Leone's development in its last 50 years is how strongly its political trajectory tracks its economic development. Authoritarian rule and economic development are incompatible in Sierra Leone's context. The country7 always progresses, however limitedly, when its politics are democratic; and regresses, sometimes really badly, when it allows a single party, the military, big men or warlords to dominate its politics.