KOROMA OPENS PARLIAMENT WITH OPTIMISM

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000411 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER) E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/19/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL SL SUBJECT: KOROMA OPENS PARLIAMENT WITH OPTIMISM REF: FREETOWN 393 Classified By: Political/Economic Officer Amy LeMar for reasons 1.4 (b/ d) ¶1. (U) Summary: At the opening of Parliament on October 9, President Koroma outlined the blue print for his government for the coming year. In his two hour speech he outlined his achievements, touted his Agenda for Change, and criticized the opposition for fanning the flames of tribalism in the country. End Summary. ¶2. (C) President Koroma opened his speech by admitting that the previous year has been difficult and full of challenges, especially from the global economy which he blamed on &greed and recklessness amongst some bankers in a few developed countries." He praised the resilience of Sierra Leoneans and sound economic management for the county's success in weathering the storm. The President claimed that the economy continues to grow, inflation remained at one digit, domestic credit has become more affordable and the Bank of Sierra Leone has increased the amount of foreign exchange at its weekly auction (Note: This analysis is misleading and overly optimistic. Inflation is estimated to average between 12 and 15 percent, and though domestic credit is more affordable, the rate of nonperforming loans has also increased. The economy is growing, but not quickly, and will continue to be sluggish as long as its primary exports face decreased global demand. End Note). ¶3. (U) President Koroma then turned his attention to his political critics, who he chastised for fanning the flames of tribalism. He claimed that his aim is to unify the country and does not hire or fire people based on their party affiliations or their ethnic groupings. He branded them as forces of disunity who seek to raise political tensions, discredit the country, and denigrate the country's achievement. The President said he believes that his critics will not succeed because he has the support of the people, and his government is dedicated in ensuring that their programs benefit men and women in every part of the country. ¶4. (U) On security, President Koroma condemned the recent spate of armed robberies in the city and justified his decision to invoke the Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP), which allows the Military to intervene in security matters where the police have indicated or demonstrated an inability to robustly handle such situations (Note: Per reftel, the decision to call the MACP was controversial, and could have unintended negative effects. End Note). ¶5. (U) The president also outlined his government policies under the following themes: Energy; Infrastructure and Transportation; Education; Health; Youths; Gender; Productive Sectors; Trade and Private Sector Development; the Environment; Resource Mobilization and Governance, Justice Sector; and culture. ¶6. (U) At the conclusion, the President reiterated his vision for unity through equitable service to all people, across all regions, districts, cities, towns and villages. He spoke about the pay raise for Members of Parliament across the board and his desire to work with Mayors, Councilors, Chiefs, and all holders of elected office regardless of their political affiliations. He ended his speech on an inspirational note reminding Sierra Leoneans that eighteen months from now the country will be celebrating its fiftieth independence anniversary and urged all to be proud and reflect on the great things which the nation has achieved despite the setbacks of bad governance and war. -------------- REACTIONS TO THE SPEECH -------------- ¶7. (U) The President's speech to Parliament faced criticism from the outset, as opposition MPs in Parliament could be heard quietly heckling and jeering, though in a subdued tone, and/or refusing to applaud. However, most newspapers have simply printed the President's speech verbatim, while others have printed excerpts. There were very few opinion pieces printed about the speech, and those that were focused on the economy and the energy sector. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶8. (C) Koroma's speech, which serves as a State of the Union address, was largely well-received. Koroma clearly feels a need to respond to his detractors on economic and security FREETOWN 00000411 002 OF 002 issues, which will be two hot-button issues in the lead-up to the 2012 elections. He focused primarily on the future, and what his policies will do, rather than what he has achieved in the past year: Koroma seems to have used 2009 to build a framework for the future, and tangible accomplishments, such as the provision of electricity from the Bumbuna Dam, remained out of reach. The mild reaction to the speech, including the failure of the press to identify its inaccuracies, indicates that he still has the good will of the citizens. Concerns remain, however, since rhetoric doesn't put food on the table, provide clean water, or make the streets safer. Though Koroma has a strong hold on the presidency and is unlike to lose in 2012, post continues to wonder at what point the people will stop being contented with policies, strategic frameworks, and consultative meetings, and start asking their President when they will feel the impact of his leadership in real terms. End Comment. FEDZER