In a bold move inspired by recent political developments in Senegal, Alhai K. Tarawalli, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Secretary General of the National Grand Coalition (NGC), has issued a heartfelt appeal to the nation’s youth, urging them to band together and form a new entity dubbed the Young Progressive Movement (YPM).

In an open letter addressed to the youth of Sierra Leone, Tarawalli extended a sincere apology for past political decisions and advocated for the establishment of the YPM as a potent force for change. Inspired by the triumphs of youth-led movements in Senegal, Tarawalli envisions the YPM as a coalition comprising over a million Sierra Leoneans aged between 15 and 35. The overarching aim of this movement, as outlined by Tarawalli, is to take charge of the nation’s destiny and construct a society that benefits all its citizens.

Tarawalli’s letter carries a tone of remorse for the NGC’s previous affiliations with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), acknowledging the failure of these alliances to deliver on promises of reform and progress. He cites unmet objectives, a strained healthcare system, and rampant corruption as glaring indicators of the urgent need for change.

Driven by a genuine desire to uplift his homeland, Tarawalli stresses that his call to action is not rooted in personal gain. He underscores his commitment to Sierra Leone’s future by highlighting his successful business ventures and ongoing academic pursuits, demonstrating his dedication to national progress rather than self-interest.

Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Tarawalli implores young people to seize the opportunity for transformation. He offers his contact details as a starting point for mobilizing a million progressive young Sierra Leoneans.

Tarawalli’s message resonates at a time when many Sierra Leonean youths are disillusioned with the existing political landscape. With the nation grappling with significant social and economic challenges, the YPM’s vision for unity and progress could strike a chord with a generation eager for positive change.

His letter serves as both an acknowledgment of past missteps and a rallying cry for a brighter future. By uniting under the banner of the Young Progressive Movement, Sierra Leonean youth have the potential to shape their nation’s destiny and usher in an era of hope and prosperity.