My sources from the market added that this scarcity has been followed by price hikes. For example, Forl fut for example, used to go for Le 2,000 per heap (of about 6 or more Forl Fut). Now, 3 Forl fut goes for Le 2,000. Meaning you have spend Le3,000 or Le 4,000 to get what you used to get for Le 2,000.
This is another example of the failing economic policies of the government, which has been slavishly following World Bank and IMF neoliberal economic prescriptions with childish enthusiasm. “The government has surrendered to World Bank at the expense of its own people” said one analyst. Finance minister, Mr. Jacob Saffa (aka JJ Blood, aka Bread en Butter economics), has not provided any answers to this deepening economic crisis and poverty. One teacher who referred to the Finance minister as “Bloody JJ and his bloody economic policies” will continue lead to bloodbath on account of the high level of poverty related deaths in the country.
The majority of Sierra Leoneans cannot afford to eat fish or meat so they rely on Forl Fut and Forl Wais imported from Brazil. The people can’t afford fish even though it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
Meanwhile teachers have continued their nation-wide go slow or strike action. One teacher from Kailahun told me that they as professionals and they also want to lead decent lives just like other professionals. He said “we live like slaves in this country. We want our dignity back. Just because we chose teaching and not law should not condemn us to a life of poverty and indignity.” He said.
Last December there was a nation-wide doctors strike led by junior doctors who say they are the worst paid doctors in the world.
In February, Sierra Leone was hit by bread scarcity after bakers went on strike to protest the high price of flour, which is also imported.
Most activists believe that successive governments have failed to address the root cause of the economic crisis facing us, instead worship the IMF and World Bank who in turn continue to offer the same failed export oriented, neoliberal economic policies.