Yoni Emmanuel Sesay, Sierra Leone Telegraph, 12 November 2026
Political applause often grows louder when a leader assumes office and fades as they prepare to leave. We rarely consider who is offering this praise or what truths might be overlooked in the process.
Sierra Leone is familiar with this phenomenon, which predates President Julius Maada Bio and will likely continue after his presidency ends in 2028. This culture equates personal loyalty with public service, rewards agreement as wisdom, and values proximity to power as a qualification.
I term this the “applause economy,” where praise becomes currency and silence is the price of inclusion. The flatterer seeks recognition while those in power crave reassurance, often ignoring the costs to the nation.
Consider the era of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was surrounded by supporters and sycophants during his decade in office. Agreement with him was seen as the ultimate loyalty, where government actions were deemed visionary, and criticism was often deemed treachery.
The 2018 election marked a shift; some aligned with Koroma moved to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), abandoning prior political loyalties for immediate advantage. Political defection isn’t inherently dishonourable, but when allegiance shifts simply for access to power, it demonstrates the volatile nature of political loyalty.
Sycophancy starts innocently enough but can spiral into blind agreement. Flatterers may lose touch with reality, defending questionable decisions out of fear of losing favour. Niccolò Machiavelli warned long ago about the dangers of flattery, suggesting leaders should surround themselves with those willing to speak uncomfortable truths.
As social media evolves, the “invisible sycophant” emerges—individuals who, devoid of power positions, still fervently support the president. This reflects a broader trend where online voices generate the illusion of consensus, misleading leaders into believing their actions are universally applauded.
The distinction between genuine support and sycophancy lies in the independence of judgment. While admiration for a leader can be sincere, it becomes problematic when it morphs into uncritical acceptance of their decisions.
As 2028 approaches, with President Bio promising not to seek a third term, political dynamics are shifting. Those once reliant on proximity may need to reassess their positions as new leadership opportunities arise within the SLPP.
Faced with change, loyalty may shift from personal devotion to support for institutional integrity. Politicians must consider whether their principles will endure amid changing circumstances. The repercussions of government actions—positive or negative—remain long after applause fades.
Both the All People’s Congress (APC) and SLPP must reflect on the political culture they fostered and work towards cultivating a climate where honest dialogue is valued and citizens can support their government while maintaining independent judgement. In the end, when sycophancy prevails, it is the nation that pays the price.
