16 June 2012
You are the Inspector General of a country’s police force. Your officers are being held responsible for the deaths of five civilians as the result of negligent and reckless shooting, caused by unprofessional and poor policing tactics.
You gave a press interview and not once did you express condolences and sympathy to the families of the bereaved.
In most civilised and properly run countries, your job will instantly become untenable. But not in Sierra Leone.
Of course, most Sierra Leoneans would admit that standards in public life and respect for human life and dignity are appallingly low. But that, is no excuse for abnormal conduct by those in authority.
Those in authority and acting as custodians of the rule of Law and expected to be beyond reproach, far too often appear to lack the gravitas and common sense to do what is common. The head of the police force – Francis Munu is no exception.