This book investigates the historical trajectory of postcolonial Sierra Leone, especially the persistence of a culture of political violence and autocratic tendencies.
Regarded as a litmus test for the consolidation of democracy in postwar Sierra Leone, the 2023 national polls instead became a stark reminder of the persistence of élite bickering, electoral malfeasance, autocratic political machinations, and violence. This book investigates how a culture of corruption, political violence, and autocracy crystallized in the decades following independence and has persisted into the modern day. Beginning with the colonial legacy and the turbulent SLPP government of Albert Margai and the NRC junta of Andrew Juxon-Smith following independence, the book goes on to consider how Siaka Stevens harnessed Sierra Leone's political problems for his own advantage. Stevens's APC regime inflicted a culture of political violence that led to the eleven-year civil war and has persisted despite popular, national and international protests.
Drawing on extensive archival research as well as the author's own interviews, this book will be an important read for researchers of West African history and politics.
| ISBN: | 9781041087991 |
| Publication date: | 18th May 2026 |
| Author: | Gibril Raschid Cole |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 260 pages |
| Series: | Routledge Studies in Peace, Conflict and Security in Africa |
| Genres: |
African history Colonialism and imperialism National liberation and independence Cultural studies Ethnic studies Sociology Comparative politics Regional / International studies Development studies |
This book investigates the historical trajectory of postcolonial Sierra Leone, especially the persistence of a culture of political violence and autocratic tendencies.
Regarded as a litmus test for the consolidation of democracy in postwar Sierra Leone, the 2023 national polls instead became a stark reminder of the persistence of élite bickering, electoral malfeasance, autocratic political machinations, and violence. This book investigates how a culture of corruption, political violence, and autocracy crystallized in the decades following independence and has persisted into the modern day. Beginning with the colonial legacy and the turbulent SLPP government of Albert Margai and the NRC junta of Andrew Juxon-Smith following independence, the book goes on to consider how Siaka Stevens harnessed Sierra Leone's political problems for his own advantage. Stevens's APC regime inflicted a culture of political violence that led to the eleven-year civil war and has persisted despite popular, national and international protests.
Drawing on extensive archival research as well as the author's own interviews, this book will be an important read for researchers of West African history and politics.
Postcolonial Politics in Sierra Leone, 1961-2001 features in the following genres: African history, Colonialism and imperialism, National liberation and independence, Cultural studies, Ethnic studies, Sociology, Comparative politics, Regional / International studies, Development studies
Postcolonial Politics in Sierra Leone, 1961-2001 is available in Hardback
Postcolonial Politics in Sierra Leone, 1961-2001 was written by Gibril Raschid Cole and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis
Postcolonial Politics in Sierra Leone, 1961-2001 has 260 pages
Yes it is part of Routledge Studies in Peace, Conflict and Security in Africa series
£154.79