The entire world does not want to have a forceful transition, either. Sierra Leone is in a tense mood amid reports of the imminent peaceful democratic transition of power following the conclusion of the tripartite investigations and the ongoing implementation of the 84 recommendations therein. (Photo: Alpha Jets on standby if need be).

The tension escalated this week when the President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama arrived in Sierra Leone to talk to the illegal Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio about the peaceful transfer of power in the aftermath of the chaotic June 24, 2023 elections publicly stolen by Maada Bio and cohorts.

The few hours’ visit by President Mahama was uniquely strange, in that Mahama’s destination at the Lungi Airport rather than the State House in Freetown sent a strong message of defiance. This raised more eyebrows as to the urgency of the ECOWAS message President Mahama brought to Bio.

It was succinct that President Mahama, apparently sent by the ECOWAS Commission on behalf of the United Nations Security Council, brought one message only i.e. to remind the unelected President Maada Bio about the transition of power and the deadline date of which is very close.

But from the vibes being gathered from the grapevine, it is seemingly obvious that the recalcitrant Maada Bio has two minds, whether to hand over power peacefully or to exhibit stubbornness which would warrant a forceful transition by ECOWAS. His Mob Justice wife Fatima Bio & others are deceiving Maada. (Photo: Mahama and Bio).

The playing of mind games would be fatal for Bio and his collaborators. The only sensible thing to do is to abide by the Abuja Agreement. Maada Bio and his APC surrogates and other anti-democrats in the opposition APC party do favour delaying the transition process.

The maxim, ‘Make Hay While the Sun Shine’ is better suited for Maada Bio. It is best to strike when the iron is hot, but from the information filtering from the Bio colony, it is likely Bio is foolishly not taking advantage of a peaceful exit but rather listening to bad advice from his Macbeth wife and other buffoons.

When the popular Krio adage ‘Pen Don Touch Paper’ (meaning signatures have been appended on agreed documents), is mentioned, it means the signatures on all the agreements should be taken seriously. Sierra Leone’s peculiar situation is no exception.

Presently, there is an ultimatum on the desk for Maada Bio to choose between a peaceful transfer of power, or allow Alpha Jets to fly over Freetown in a show of ECOWAS force. Tension is mounting as ECOWAS Standby Forces are on the way to Sierra Leone to beef up the 400 strong anonymous ECOWAS soldiers on the ground.

As the deadline for the transition draws near, global partners have tightened the screws. The ultimatum given to Bio is the latest to let him know that the international community would not tolerate any more delay or postponement in the transition deadline. (Photo: Dr Samura Kamara is the President-Elect).

The deadline date for the transfer of power is very close and they believe that Maada Bio would not disappoint this time around as time is running out and patience is running thin. The latest ultimatum has come into being as a reminder that no more excuses would be accepted.

Sierra Leoneans, in as much as they want to see the back of Bio as soon as possible, would not like the country to descend into another violent mood reminiscent of the 1998 ECOMOG invasion of Freetown where Alpha Jets flew over to oust the AFRC junta of Major Johnny Paul Koroma and the RUF bandits.

What are the Capabilities of the Alpha Jets?

The Alpha Jet, a collaborative development by France and Germany, is a versatile light attack aircraft and advanced trainer. It can carry various weapons, including bombs, rockets and missiles, and features a gun pod for close air support missions. Courtesy: Wikipedia.

Nigeria has procured 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. Olusegun Dada, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special assistant on social media, confirmed that the jets, acquired through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, are ready for shipping. “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada announced on X, adding that the Nigerian Air Force NAF currently operates 11 Alpha Jets. Courtesy: arise.tv/Nigeria.