This article explores how traditional Mandé leadership models, Mansa and Faama ,shape modern governance in Sierra Leone and West Africa through cultural memory, rivalry, and moral authority, revealing the deep roots of political legitimacy and power.
In Sierra Leone, colonial and post‑colonial political processes systematically rooted identity in politics. What began as administrative divisions and elite privilege evolved into ethno‑regional party politics and patronage systems that make identity a central determinant of inclusion or exclusion in political and economic life. Whether in elections, public appointments, resource distribution or social standing, one’s identity and political alignment often shape life chances in ways that are deeply historical, structural, and enduring.
The Deep-Rooted Legacy : Identity Politics in Sierra Leone Read More »
The country called Sierra Leone today has a history with a powerful Malinke connection.
Show Me Your History, I’ll Show You Your Greatness Read More »
A forgotten empire along the Mano River shaped Sierra Leone’s culture, identity, and traditions. Its legacy still influences communities today.
The Koya Kingdom of Sierra Leone Read More »
The Structure of the Caste System Among Mande-Speaking Groups Caste-based social stratification has been a defining feature of Mande-speaking groups in Sierra Leone, particularly among the Mandinka, Susu, and Vai. These societies historically organised their communities into hierarchical castes, which dictated individuals’ economic roles, marriage prospects, and access to political and religious authority. While the
Caste, Religion, and Mande Society in Sierra Leone Read More »
This article explores the role of chiefdoms and traditional chiefs in Sierra Leone’s decentralisation process. It examines how chiefdom administrations influence local governance, strengthen grassroots leadership, and support sustainable community development across the country.
Chiefdoms, Chiefs, and Decentralisation in Sierra Leone Read More »
West Africa is endowed with vast natural resources and a rich cultural heritage, yet it remains one of the poorest regions in the world. According to the World Bank (2020), poverty rates in West Africa exceed 40%, with some countries, such as Niger and Mali, experiencing extreme deprivation. The persistence of poverty in the region
Understanding Poverty in West Africa Read More »
The Cultural Anthropology of the Mano River Union The Mano River Union (MRU) is a regional body in West Africa that comprises Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire as member states. Since its establishment in 1973, the MRU has advanced economic integration and regional cooperation, embodying diverse cultural and social systems that reflect centuries
Cultural Anthropology of the Mano River Union Read More »
The Role of Chiefs in Sierra Leone: Traditional Leadership, Land Rights, and Resource Governance The role of chiefs as arbitrators and trustees of resources in Sierra Leone is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, political, and economic contexts. This paper explores the multifaceted rationale behind this authority, tracing its origins from pre-colonial governance to
Chiefs as Sierra Leone’s Trustees Read More »
Sierra Leone is a nation that embodies a paradox of cultural unity and political fragmentation. Despite being one of the most culturally and religiously homogeneous countries in Africa, the country remains deeply polarized along regional and partisan lines. The dominant Islamic faith and the Fulani-Mande cultural foundation create profound commonalities among Sierra
Introduction The Upper Guinea Coast, encompassing modern-day Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and parts of Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, has long been a vital crossroads of cultural exchange and historical significance. This region, rich in natural resources and diversity, has evolved from agricultural and fishing communities of the 10th century to a complex cultural mosaic shaped by
The Anthropology of the Upper Guinea Coast (10th Century to Present) Read More »
Class and respect dynamics within African societies and the African diaspora represent an intricate interplay of history, culture, and socio-economic structures. These issues are deeply rooted in pre-colonial traditions, colonial disruptions, and modern global influences. Understanding how class stratification and respect norms have evolved within African communities requires examining their historical context, cultural manifestations, and
The Class and Respect Issues Among the Africans Read More »
Falsehoods, deceptions, lies, and the social parameters informing corruption significantly undermine stability and development in Sierra Leone. These factors erode public trust, weaken institutions, and impede socioeconomic progress. The following analysis explores these impacts, supported by scholarly references in APA style. Erosion of Trust and Institutional Integrity The prevalence of corruption in Sierra Leone has
Sierra Leone, a nation rich in culture and natural resources, has endured centuries of trauma that shape its social fabric and behavioural patterns. From the precolonial period through colonialism, civil war, and the more recent Ebola epidemic, the people of Sierra Leone have faced profound challenges that have left psychological and societal scars. This article
