The Historical and Recent Trauma Experienced by Sierra Leoneans: Behavioural Patterns Rooted in Survival Instincts

 

Historical Context of Trauma in Sierra Leone

The roots of Sierra Leone’s trauma can be traced to the precolonial era, where inter-ethnic conflicts and the transatlantic slave trade disrupted societal cohesion. The slave trade, in particular, devastated communities as individuals were abducted, families torn apart, and traditional governance systems undermined (Thornton, 1998). This period of systemic violence introduced a legacy of fear, distrust, and fragmentation, as survival became paramount.

Colonial rule further deepened societal fissures. The British colonizers imposed artificial boundaries, fostered ethnic divisions, and exploited the country’s resources, prioritizing their economic interests over the well-being of the indigenous population (Kup, 1975). The colonial administration’s “divide and rule” tactics exacerbated mistrust among ethnic groups, creating a hierarchy that privileged certain communities over others. These historical grievances remained unresolved, creating a fertile ground for future conflicts. 

 
Post-Colonial Struggles and the Civil War 

 The post-independence period was marked by political instability and economic mismanagement, which culminated in a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002. The war was fuelled by grievances over corruption, inequality, and exclusion from national resources (Richards, 1996). Over a decade of violence resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions. Child soldiers were forcibly recruited, women were subjected to sexual violence, and entire communities were destroyed.

The civil war left deep psychological scars. Survivors often suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while communities became fragmented by mistrust and fear. Many individuals adopted survival-oriented behaviours, focusing on self-preservation in an environment where betrayal and violence were pervasive. These behavioural patterns, rooted in wartime experiences, continued to influence interpersonal and community relationships long after the conflict ended (Betancourt et al., 2010). 

 
Recent Trauma: The Ebola Epidemic 

In 2014, Sierra Leone faced another crisis with the outbreak of the Ebola virus, which claimed over 11,000 lives across West Africa. The epidemic exposed and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in the country’s healthcare system and social structures. Fear of infection led to social isolation, further eroding trust within communities. The stigmatization of survivors and their families reinforced divisions, making reintegration challenging (Abramowitz et al., 2015).

The Ebola crisis also highlighted systemic failures in governance and resource allocation. Many Sierra Leoneans lost faith in public institutions, perceiving them as ineffective or corrupt. This erosion of trust, coupled with the trauma of losing loved ones, reinforced survival-oriented behaviours characterized by fear, self-protection, and a focus on immediate needs. 

 
Behavioural Manifestations of Trauma

Timidity and Reluctance to Take Risks 

The historical and recent traumas experienced by Sierra Leoneans have cultivated a widespread timidity and reluctance to take risks. Survival instincts, honed over generations, often discourage individuals from engaging in activities perceived as uncertain or threatening. For example, entrepreneurial ventures and collective action require a level of risk tolerance and trust in others that many Sierra Leoneans find difficult to muster. This hesitancy stifles innovation and economic progress, perpetuating cycles of poverty and stagnation. 

 
Distrust and Fragmentation 

Distrust is a pervasive legacy of Sierra Leone’s traumatic history. Whether stemming from colonial divisions, wartime betrayals, or the inadequacies of public institutions during the Ebola crisis, this lack of trust undermines collective action and community cohesion. Individuals often prioritize their immediate, personal needs over shared goals, leading to fragmented communities where collaboration is rare.

This distrust also manifests in governance. Citizens are sceptical of political leaders, perceiving them as self-serving rather than serving the public interest. Such scepticism discourages civic engagement, weakening democratic institutions and perpetuating a cycle of ineffective governance and societal disillusionment (Fanthorpe, 2001). 

 
Blaming and Complaining as Coping Mechanisms 

 Blaming and complaining have become coping mechanisms for unresolved trauma. These behaviours serve as outlets for expressing frustration and powerlessness in the face of systemic challenges. While these expressions are understandable, they often inhibit constructive problem-solving and reinforce a sense of helplessness. Instead of fostering resilience and collective effort, they contribute to a culture of inaction and stagnation. 

 
Barriers to Development and Societal Cohesion 

The behavioural patterns rooted in Sierra Leone’s traumatic history create significant barriers to societal cohesion and development. Distrust, fragmentation, and a focus on self-preservation inhibit the collective action necessary for addressing systemic challenges such as poverty, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure. Communities struggle to mobilize around shared goals, while governance remains weakened by a lack of public trust and civic participation.

The cycle of mistrust and survival-oriented behaviour also perpetuates socioeconomic inequalities. Those with access to resources prioritize their immediate needs, often at the expense of long-term development. This focus on short-term gains undermines efforts to build sustainable systems and institutions, leaving the nation vulnerable to future crises. 

 

Breaking the Cycle: Toward Healing and Development

Addressing the legacy of trauma in Sierra Leone requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes healing, trust-building, and collective action. Several strategies can contribute to breaking the cycle:

Psychosocial Support: Providing access to mental health services can help individuals and communities process trauma and develop resilience. Community-based healing initiatives, including storytelling and traditional practices, can foster reconciliation and trust.

Strengthening Institutions: Rebuilding trust in public institutions requires transparency, accountability, and equitable resource distribution. Strengthening governance and delivering tangible benefits to citizens can restore faith in leadership and encourage civic engagement.

Promoting Collective Action: Encouraging grassroots movements and community-driven development initiatives can foster collaboration and a sense of shared purpose. Programs that emphasize local ownership and participation can empower communities to address common challenges.

Education and Capacity Building: Investing in education and skill development can equip individuals with the tools to overcome fear and take calculated risks. Entrepreneurial training and support for small businesses can promote economic growth and reduce dependency on survival-oriented behaviours.

Reconciliation Efforts: Addressing historical grievances through truth-telling and reconciliation initiatives can help heal divisions and build a foundation for trust and unity. Inclusive policies that celebrate Sierra Leone’s diverse cultural heritage can also promote national cohesion. 

Sierra Leone’s historical and recent traumas have left an indelible mark on the nation’s social fabric, shaping behavioural patterns rooted in survival instincts. Timidity, distrust, and self-preservation dominate, creating barriers to societal cohesion and development. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes healing, trust-building, and collective action. By confronting its past and fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration, Sierra Leone can break free from cycles of stagnation and mistrust, paving the way for sustainable progress and national unity. 

 
References 

 1.Abramowitz, S. A., et al. (2015). Social dynamics of the Ebola epidemic. Annual Review of Anthropology, 44(1), 375–392. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-anthro-102214-014154 

2. Betancourt, T. S., et al. (2010). Sierra Leone’s child soldiers: War exposures and mental health problems by gender. Journal of Adolescent Health, 46(1), 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.09.021

 3.Fanthorpe, R. (2001). Neither citizen nor subject: ‘Lumpen’ agency and the legacy of native administration in Sierra Leone. African Affairs, 100(400), 363–386. https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/100.400.363 

 4.Kup, A. P. (1975). Sierra Leone: A concise history. St. Martin’s Press. 

5. Richards, P. (1996). Fighting for the rain forest: War, youth and resources in Sierra Leone. James Currey Publishers. 

 6.Thornton, J. K. (1998). Africa and Africans in the making of the Atlantic world, 1400–1800. Cambridge University Press.