Message To The Youths… Beware of Political Exploitation
Dear fellow young men and women, both within Sierra Leone and across the globe, I write to you with a message of caution, hope, and empowerment. In our societies, we often hear the same story play out again and again: politicians, hungry for power and driven by self-interest, approach young people with promises of quick rewards. They ask us to be their soldiers in their political battles to campaign, protest, defend, or attack. They give us little to fight over, except empty promises and tokens of appreciation, all while securing their own interests and ensuring their families live far from the struggles we face daily. But here’s the question we must ask ourselves: Why should we sacrifice our future for the selfish ambitions of a few? Why should we allow ourselves to be manipulated into serving their purposes, when their children are living abroad, enjoying quality education, luxurious lifestyles, and opportunities most of us can only dream of? It is time to wake up. The truth is, politicians will only value you as long as you are useful to them. When their goals are achieved, you are often left behind to deal with the consequences – whether it’s unemployment, a damaged reputation, or even loss of life. Meanwhile, their families remain untouched, shielded from the very struggles they fuel. My fellow youth, we are more than pawns in someone else’s game. We are the future of our nations, the builders of tomorrow. But to take charge of that future, we must reject exploitation. We must refuse to be divided along political, tribal, or economic lines. We must stand together and demand accountability from those in power. Instead of allowing ourselves to be used, let us focus on empowering ourselves. Invest in your education and skills. Seek opportunities to grow and thrive outside the reach of political manipulation. Build businesses, engage in community development, and support one another. By doing so, we can create a generation of young leaders who are driven by vision and purpose, not by the empty promises of those who seek only to enrich themselves. Remember, no politician’s promise is worth your dignity, your integrity, or your life. True leaders serve their people selflessly, not by exploiting their youths for personal gain. Let us hold our leaders accountable and demand better – not just for ourselves, but for future generations. As you reflect on this, I urge you to ask yourself: What legacy do you want to leave behind? Will you be remembered as someone who stood firm for what was right, or as someone who allowed themselves to be used and discarded? The choice is yours, and the time to act is now. Let us unite and create a future where our children will not have to fight the same battles we face today. Together, we can be the architects of a better tomorrow – one built on integrity, hard work, and a shared commitment to progress. The future is ours to shape. Let us not squander it by serving the selfish ambitions of others. Thank you.
The Liberator (Pastor Mohamed Samuel Kamara)
