Sierra Leone Journalist Flees to the U. S. after Exposing Corruption.

The story of Chernoh Alpha M. Bah.

In my hometown of Sierra Leone, many families lived in mud huts with thatched roofs, while my family’s home was constructed from cement, creating a noticeable difference. We learned to cope with the absence of essential services such as running water, electricity, public transport, and primary healthcare.

As I matured, I started questioning why our village faced such a lack of development. This curiosity led me to explore the causes of our struggles, and I began to identify those perpetuating the cycle of poverty. However, uncovering these truths came with peril. High-ranking officials I criticized began to target me, eventually forcing me to flee my cherished Sierra Leone for safety in the United States, while still voicing my concerns.

In the rural community of Manduri, where I grew up, neighbors commonly supported one another by sharing what they had. As the firstborn and only son in my family, I was raised in an agricultural household that embraced pastoral living. My father, the first in his family to receive a Western education, studied agriculture and rural development in Europe before returning to Sierra Leone to serve as an officer in the Agriculture Cooperative Department. Tragically, he passed away when I was just three years old, leaving me to learn about his life through family stories.

From an early age, I understood the importance of communal life, prioritizing the well-being of others over my own. Growing up in a community lacking social services profoundly affected my worldview and instilled principles that guide me today. My upbringing taught me to align my dreams with my community's growth, fostering unity and selflessness.

After a brief education in my village, my family relocated to Makeni, the regional capital of northern Sierra Leone. While Makeni offered some amenities, the improvements felt minimal, as poverty and scarcity persisted. Many students struggled to obtain basic learning materials, making access to books feel like a luxury. I began questioning the reasons for our difficult circumstances.

Two years before my birth, a national student uprising led to the establishment of a harsh one-party regime dominated by corrupt leaders. By the time I turned ten, political instability had engulfed West Africa, with a rebel conflict erupting in Liberia, igniting a war that eventually spread to Sierra Leone.

Conversations about the impending changes to our lives became commonplace, dominating discussions in our homes and filling them with anxiety. Freetown's political atmosphere mirrored that of Monrovia, as both governments were comprised of disenfranchised youth fueled by a lack of education and opportunities, which exacerbated the unrest. The war in Sierra Leone, lasting for a decade, left significant scars on my generation, as we lived through violence as both victims and witnesses.

Throughout my upbringing, we experienced various forms of authoritarian rule, from civilian kleptocracies to military regimes. These experiences politicized many of us and compelled our active engagement in our country’s historical events. The war forced numerous children out of school, with some becoming child soldiers while others became refugees. These troubling years increased my resolve to confront the challenges facing my nation.

In Makeni, our community mirrored the spirit of Manduri, sharing resources such as books and food. As I entered school, my passion for reading and learning blossomed; I eagerly absorbed stories from diverse places. I began keeping a notebook of new words, fueling my love for writing and expanding my vocabulary.

I consistently ranked among the top students, earning double promotions in primary school and finishing in five years, rather than seven. However, just two years into secondary school, I dropped out and spent three years away from formal education, living on the streets during my teenage years.

Those years on the streets taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and hope. Despite the harsh realities, I survived and gained profound insights into society and myself. Upon returning home, I recognized that the lessons learned in adversity surpass those from formal education. I developed perseverance amidst hardship, clinging to the belief in possibilities even when they seemed unattainable. Unfortunately, I did not return to secondary school, and by 1996, my classmates were preparing for university while I lagged behind.

Determined to catch up, I focused on intense self-study, funding my education by working as a truck conductor. I registered for the West African Examination Council’s general certificate exam, but my journey faced setbacks when a military coup interrupted the exam schedule, plunging the country into chaos. Despite these challenges, I eventually passed my O-levels and was accepted into university.

Today, my work is deeply rooted in historical awareness. I admire those who use their skills to uplift communities and inspire my activism. My upbringing, shaped by diverse influences, equipped me with curiosity and a commitment to selfless service.

As a journalist and founder of Africanist Press, I've focused on investigative journalism, prioritizing human rights, corruption, and accountability in Africa. My work centers on addressing pressing issues within my community, as I discovered writing could illuminate injustices and mobilize change.

I vividly recall reporting on disabled youth confronting a local pastor over alleged embezzlement of supplies intended for them. The publication of my article ignited my passion for journalism, leading to my dedication to reporting on human rights abuses and corruption over the next 25 years. In 2002, I co-founded Africanist Press, dedicated to independent journalism that highlights corruption and advocates for democracy.

My reports contributed to significant political changes, but they also prompted backlash from those in power, leading to harassment and intimidation. Eventually, I was forced into exile, yet my commitment to Sierra Leone remained unwavering. I’ve spent years raising awareness about the challenges faced by my homeland, feeling trapped in exile while tirelessly advocating for democracy and human rights.

Despite the obstacles, I remain determined to return to Sierra Leone, where I believe my skills can contribute to positive change. I continue to seek support from advocates committed to democracy and human rights, hoping to pave the way for my return and help my country thrive.