In any organised effort, be it civic, political, or professional, civility is not a luxury but a necessity. It is the bedrock upon which productive dialogue, trust, and cohesion are built. By contrast, incivility, often expressed through condescension, backbiting, exclusion, and personal attacks, poses a corrosive threat. It poisons the environment, stifles innovation, and, worst of all, causes internal disunity that undermines the very mission that unites us. (Photo: Mr Fouard flanked by Dr Fullah, right, MS Bangura, left, in Frankfurt).

When Shared Values Become Grounds for Hostility – From a rational standpoint, one might expect that individuals bonded by political affiliation, cultural ties, or shared grievances would exhibit mutual respect. Sadly, this is not always the case. Today, SLAM (Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement), a platform originally formed to contest the perceived injustices of the 2023 elections, has come under unjustified and corrosive criticism from within its base.

Ironically, many of these attacks come not from political opponents, but from kinsmen and presumed allies, who have chosen to malign SLAM and its chairman, Dr Veenod Fullah, instead of constructively engaging him. To my estimation, such criticism is not rooted in ideological disagreement or legitimate concern; ego battles, factionalism, and insecurity often fuel it. The personal vilification of Dr. Fullah, an individual who has consistently put himself forward in defence of justice and accountability, reveals more about the attackers than the accused.

Honouring Leadership Where It Is Due – Whatever one’s political stance, it is difficult to ignore Dr. Fullah’s gregariousness, resolve, and commitment to advocacy. Amidst a demanding professional life, he has mobilised a global network, given voice to a growing movement, and challenged the ruling party and elements within his own. His leadership has not been without criticism, but criticism must be principled, not petty.

SLAM, under his watch, has taken bold and balanced positions:

• In March 2025, SLAM called out the APC itself for silence on drug trafficking and electoral malpractice.
• *In August 2024, SLAM petitioned U.S. institutions to withhold MCC funding to the Bio-led government, citing corruption and repression. Such stances do not reflect blind partisanship; they reflect accountability across the board.

The True Cost of Internal Incivility – From a critical standpoint, the infighting and character attacks aimed at Dr. Fullah and SLAM are not only counterproductive, they are dangerous. They:

• Discourage leadership and initiative.
• Silence creative or dissenting voices.
• Undermine solidarity among those who claim to want change.
• Offer ammunition to external opponents who benefit from internal fragmentation. (Photo: Dr Fullah and his wife in Germany).

Movements driven by reform cannot afford this self-inflicted harm. Energy that should challenge oppression is instead wasted on internal sabotage.

A Call for Decency Among Advocates – I believe leadership is not perfect, but it must be respected when it demonstrates commitment and courage. Dr. Veenod Fullah, for all the criticism he faces, has borne the burden of leadership with conviction, making SLAM a platform that transcends echo chambers. Borrowing the perspective of civic-minded leadership, the real test of maturity is not how we treat those we agree with, but how we manage disagreement with civility, fairness, and grace.

SLAM is still evolving, and so are its leaders. But tearing it and its chairman down through incivility only serves the interests of those who fear progress. Let us choose to build. Let us defend decency. Let us remember that civility is not a weakness; it is the discipline that sustains every strong and forward-looking organisation.