By Donald Theo-Harding
Last week, news from Sierra Leone’s diamond-rich Kono District stirred political waters as Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh was given a hero’s welcome, sparking speculation that he could be positioning himself for the country’s presidency come 2028. This fanfare has not sit well with First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, who took to social media to address rumors suggesting she is in a political rivalry with the Chief Minister for the top office.
Madam Fatima Maada Bio is the current First Lady of Sierra Leone and a prominent advocate for women’s and children’s rights. Born in Kono District, she pursued her education in the United Kingdom, where she studied journalism and performing arts. Her work as First Lady has been characterized by her passionate advocacy for causes such as the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which focuses on combatting child marriage, sexual violence, and promoting education for girls in Sierra Leone.
Known for her strong personality and outspoken nature, Fatima Bio has used her platform to address critical social issues in the country while remaining a steadfast partner to her husband, President Julius Maada Bio. Although rumors have surfaced about her political aspirations, she has consistently emphasized that her focus remains on supporting her husband’s presidency and championing the rights of vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone.
Fatima Bio expressed her frustration, denouncing those spreading speculation that she is eyeing the presidency. “I have never declared any intention to run for office, and the time for such discussions is far off—2028 is a long way away,” she stated emphatically. She reiterated that her husband, President Julius Maada Bio, is still the sitting head of state, and the Chief Minister serves under him. “Just as I am the wife of the president, the Chief Minister works under him. There is no competition between us,” she said, warning that only those with malicious intent would fuel such baseless rumors.
Amid the controversy, Joseph Sannoh, a former civil society activist-turned-politician, called for the Chief Minister to issue an unconditional apology to the First Lady. He argued that the speculation surrounding a potential rivalry was creating unnecessary tension within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and urged party members to focus on unity rather than division.
As President Bio nears the end of his two-term tenure in 2028, names of possible successors from within the SLPP have already begun circulating. However, both the First Lady and the Chief Minister have refrained from publicly expressing any intentions for the presidency, as political observers continue to speculate on the party’s future leadership.
