Sierra Leone has had different heads of state since gaining independence in 1961. From 1961 to 1971, Queen Elizabeth II was the head of state, represented by a governor-general.
In 1971, Sierra Leone became a republic, and the governor-general was replaced by a ceremonial president. A year later, the presidency became an executive role with more power. Since then, several leaders have served as president.
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Complete List Of Sierra Leone Presidents From 1971 Till Date
No | Name | Tenure | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Siaka Stevens | 21 April 1971 – 28 November 1985 | APC |
2 | Joseph Saidu Momoh | 28 November 1985 – 29 April 1992 | APC |
3 | Captain Yahya Kanu | 29 April 1992 – 1 May 1992 | Military |
4 | Captain Valentine Strasser | 1 May 1992 – 16 January 1996 | Military |
5 | Brigadier Julius Maada Bio | 16 January 1996 – 29 March 1996 | Military |
6 | Ahmad Tejan Kabbah | 29 March 1996 – May 25, 1997 | SLPP |
7 | Major Johnny Paul Koroma | May 25, 1997 – February 12, 1998 | Military |
8 | Ahmad Tejan Kabbah | February 13, 1998 – September 17, 2007 | SLPP |
9 | Ernest Bai Koroma | September 17,2007 – April 4,2018 | APC |
10 | Julius Maada Bio | April 4,2018 – Present | SLPP |
Who Was The First Ceremonial President In Sierra Leone?
Christopher Okoro Cole was the first ceremonial President of Sierra Leone, serving from March 31, 1971, to April 19, 1971.
His short presidency was a major change in Sierra Leone’s history. During his time as president, the country transitioned from a constitutional monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II to a republic.
This meant Sierra Leone was no longer under British rule and could fully govern itself. Although his role as president was mostly symbolic, this period was required for setting the foundation of a new political system.
Christopher Okoro Cole was born on December 15, 1921, and was prominent in Sierra Leone’s political space. He was a lawyer by profession, and his legal background helped him take on different roles in government.
Cole was active in the legislative assembly before Sierra Leone gained independence in 1961 and later served as a member of Parliament.
When Sierra Leone became a republic in 1971, the role of president was introduced, but it was mainly ceremonial. Cole was appointed to this position for a brief period of 19 days.
During this time, he guided the country through its political transition. His presidency ended on April 19, 1971, when Siaka Stevens became the first executive president.
Unlike Cole’s largely symbolic role, Stevens held real power under the new constitution, which centralized authority in the office of the president.
Though Cole’s presidency was short, it was historically significant. It was Sierra Leone’s first step toward full self-governance and republicanism. Sadly. Cole passed away on January 17, 1990, but his contributions remain part of Sierra Leone’s political history.
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Who Was Sierra Leone’s First President From 1971 To 1985?
Sierra Leone’s first president was Siaka Probyn Stevens, who served from April 21, 1971, to April 4, 1985. Born on August 24, 1905, in Moyamba, Stevens became a key figure in Sierra Leonean politics, having begun his political career in the early 1950s when he joined the Legislative Council in 1951.
A year later, he was appointed the country’s first Minister of Mines, Lands, and Labour. By 1960, he helped found the All People’s Congress (APC) after disagreements with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
In 1967, Stevens’s APC narrowly won the elections, and he was appointed Prime Minister. However, a military coup overthrew him shortly after he took office, forcing him into exile.
He returned in 1968 after another coup ousted the military government, and he regained power. In 1971, Sierra Leone became a republic, and Stevens became the country’s first executive president.
During his presidency, Stevens consolidated power, and by 1978, Sierra Leone became a one-party state. He justified this as necessary for national unity, but his rule was often criticized for corruption and repression.
Opposition parties were banned, and political opponents faced harsh consequences, including imprisonment. His government also used a group of unemployed youths, known as the Internal Security Unit, to suppress dissent.
Despite the criticism, Stevens was instrumental in regional economic cooperation. In 1973, he established the Mano River Union to promote collaboration between Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.
He also led the Organization of African Unity from 1980 to 1981. Stevens stepped down in 1985, handing power to Joseph Saidu Momoh, his chosen successor. Siaka Stevens died on May 29, 1988.
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Who Is The Current Sierra Leone President?
Julius Maada Wonie Bio is the current President of Sierra Leone. He has been in office since April 4, 2018, after winning the presidential election.
On June 24, 2023, Bio was re-elected for a second term, receiving over 56% of the votes. This election had a high voter turnout of around 83%, with over 2.8 million people voting.
However, his main opponent, Samura Kamara from the All People’s Congress (APC), rejected the results, alleging electoral malpractice. Bio was born on May 12, 1964, and had a notable military career before entering politics.
He served as a brigadier in the Sierra Leone Army and briefly led the country as head of state during a military junta from January to March 1996.
At the young age of 32, he transitioned Sierra Leone back to democratic governance by handing over power to Ahmad Tejan Kabbah after the 1996 elections.
After leaving the military, Bio sought political asylum in the United States but returned to Sierra Leone in 2005 to continue his political career.
He ran for president in 2012 as the candidate for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) but lost to Ernest Bai Koroma.
In 2018, Bio won the presidency and introduced key reforms, including free primary and secondary education in government schools.
His leadership also focused on improving governance, repealing the death penalty, and addressing corruption. Despite facing economic challenges and protests, Bio has plans to grow the country’s economy and improve living conditions.
In his 2025 New Year’s speech, he outlined goals such as increasing job opportunities, expanding renewable energy, and addressing climate change.
