Mayor on the Front Line: Democracy in Crisis - BBC Africa Eye Documentary

[@saheedkoh6181]

I thought we've lost it all. Until after watching this documentary. This woman is an iron lady and she is one of the most brilliant and brave women of our time. She is fearless and ready to work for a better change in Sierra leone and the world. God will continue to bless guide and protect you and your family.

[@haroundeen4746]

Mayor Yvonne Aki- sawyer she really a courageous woman. Am so fascinated by her courageous act. Much love from your fellow freetownian.❤

[@giftypratt]

A family that prays. Husband praying on / for wife superb. Madame Mayor, you are highly favored. God continue to bless you 🙏 🙌

[@eleanorsalamcisay1463]

I believe Madam Aki-sawyer’s resilience and determination for change needs to be acknowledged, she embodied grace and poise. She is indeed a trailblazer ❤

[@bwambalefrank8736]

Sending love from Uganda. Your courage is inspirational Aki Sawyer. Happy International women's day to u Iron Lady

[@YourMoneyMentorOnline]

Unimaginable strength of character and personal sacrifice. Madam Mayor, we thank you.

[@ollynooroadaugunu3638]

She is amazing!! What an inspirational woman ❤ totally support her & I pray she does more great things for Sierra Leone

[@mariamamassaquoi8917]

Omg, I can't stop crying. This is very heartbreaking for out Nation. Thank you so much Madam Mayor for such a wonderful documentary. History will remember this. May God bless you Ma.

[@solomonsteven9760]

She's a fail mayor all she offers freetonian is cheap politics and propaganda

[@memunatusaffa9216]

😭😭😭😭That prayer scene teared me out even more Now I see why all I did was thank her family for being her strong support and all their sacrifices last year in Maryland. Thx again for the invite Morgan Family

[@hassankamara5353]

Indeed!😢

[@jenebamansaray3893]

Same with me. She’s a strong woman indeed. I admire her courage.

[@sahidkanu1638]

They’ve been praying since independence but I’m yet to see the results of all these prayers 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@memunatusaffa9216]

@@jenebamansaray3893 yes 👍 oh. True ironlady and woman of Faith.

[@eyeSinreverse]

Protect this woman at all costs. Inspiring.

[@darlingtonkamara5393]

Protect her for what exactly? She's lying on the media after failing our city as a major

[@thandimazengera3742]

We need more of mayor Yvonne in Africa! Who love their country as much as the people at large and ready to fight for the truth and stand on it!! God bless Africa ❤

[@Ibrahimgeorgefoday]

Lol

[@kendellfriend5558]

This is a politician I’m WILLING to donate.

[@ramatukamara501]

Well done Mayor! You are a great woman.

[@echufrankechufrank141]

Very beautiful documentary featuring a very brave woman. Watching from Cameroon.

[@dadafgf9360]

We need such ppl in our country Cameroon

[@meddishbangurajr64]

Watching this tears all over me and nervous to see a woman treated with such hate😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@alana6779]

I am 3 days late viewing this remarkable footage of a woman a lioness who didn't just want to be in the frame but someone with a passion for her people her fellow citizens a sacrifice as huge as the one she made all in the name of her country Sierra Leone....continue to pray as a family as we have seen.... you are there because it is God's will dont give up....we are proud of you from a sister across the continent 🇹🇹🇸🇱 #a true humanitarian

[@Joennndnnn]

Sierra Leone, since independence has struggled with experimenting democracy, and this documentary is just one brilliant example of why democracy is on trial or in crisis. We hope it get better with the next generation.

[@foxfly23]

Democracy is mob rule. Before the coup in the USA, we were a a Constitutional Republic, a nation of laws of the people, by the people, and for the people.

[@abasskanu9253]

Our beloved mayor of Freetown you are indeed a strong woman....for you to went through all this in a so called democratic country is a shame....continue doing your good work for mama salone, and may God bless you.

[@abdulgudusbarrie1407]

Watching this I almost cried when the mayors driver was explaining to her 😢😢😢. This woman stood for Freetown and we love and appreciate you. She could have spent time with her family but she chooses Sierra Leone through all this😢😢😢

[@isandragabrielasimbo956]

She answered her true calling and God will continue blessing her for that🙏🏿

[@saiduconteh9420]

@mayor Aki Sawyer we love you and you are a true heroine ❤❤❤🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱

[@madinatu6612]

This is definitely what we’ve expected…. Thank you her worship. God bless Sierra Leone 🇸🇱

[@ibrahimbsankoh2066]

You're a strong and brave woman thank you for being this strong for our life and our nation... Thank you for believing in yourself that you can do it and get our nation back to better days we all are wishing for.. Don't give in because our nation need people like you to grow... The prayer scene get me crying 😭 it shows how deep on tough path you had passed through

[@tumomokone9987]

I never knew about this leader until this morning. The gains of democracy in Africa in the past decade or so have suffered so badly that many Africans are losing hope. Aki-Sawyer is my new champion for democracy and hope for Africa. She gets my vote ❎

[@YouGoLearn]

She’s a tribalist bigot fraud.

[@chuku531]

Thank you Madam Mayor.

[@EzeKingRex]

This video uplifted and challenged me, I am deeply inspired and challenged I can do it. Yes we can.

[@SarahConteh-c4b]

She is an icon and please don't given to those that don't want the future of our beloved mama sierra leone. Please run for president.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ You madam mayor

[@rebeccabendu]

Madame Major you are highly blessed, ❤ please continue the marvelous job that you are doing.

[@juanlion1104]

Future President of Sierra Leone in the making 🙏🏿

[@Koiva232]

I am tempted to believe this as well but does she have enough votes in the provinces? I suppose if people simply vote based on their party's candidate(and not based on tribe) then she will be our first female President.

[@patriciakoroma587]

As a Sierra Leonean born, I hope so. Sierra Leone as a whole is on her neck and can't breath. Lots is extremely wrong in mama Salon.

[@kumbish1021]

@@Koiva232she has the means of getting the votes..she can lie for the world 😂

[@Nadia323-n2z]

​@@kumbish1021You see we understand where you are coming from ,trust me you are not Sierra Leonean

[@memunatusaffa9216]

😢😢😢😢It’s inhumane what You’ve gone through our beloved Mayor of #Freetown The #Treetown But God Got you Madam @YvonneAkiSawyerr . Aka my big sister from another mother.Keep on Keeping on

[@henryabang6732]

Amen

[@abdulaituray8552]

Keep the good work Mayor GOD we protect you and your family

[@louisaogwuru6266]

Triggered me right back to the last elections in Nigeria. Africa oh Africa

[@asitis7624]

And blame it on colonial masters???!

[@bokangmotsoane1259]

​@@asitis7624 it can be traced back to that

[@dennykeaton9701]

​@@bokangmotsoane1259 That's a stretch

[@matthewkamara6291]

What the opposition and ordinary citizens are going through here is terrible

[@kumbish1021]

Una stop dis cheap propaganda n portraying ur country in a negative light to the world..if only u guys (opposition) can be patriotic for once, then our problems in Salone will be solved. Too much selfishness and lawlessness just because ur party is not in power 😏

[@michaeldawes9903]

This story is not unique to Sierra Leone, we see it everywhere in struggling democracies. Hoping that the bravery of Mayor Yvonne Aki- Sawyer and her amazing supporters will inspire others

[@floroma2820]

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, we support you.

[@adama.kamara]

Change begins from the top. As a Sierra Leonean, Freetown has not changed. The initiatives, programs, project she speaks about has not affected the average person in Freetown. It’s nice that she’s trying though, which is different from past mayors.

[@YouGoLearn]

Agreed

[@MamadujumaBah]

Paopa boys gave her chance to work?

[@MamadujumaBah]

She is the best mayor

[@dennykeaton9701]

Freetown is definitely the opposite of free.

[@gborowme]

I am praying for us thank you , mayor Sawyer I am coming to join you .

[@thementalwellness]

Tears literally fall from my eyes watching this

[@MarkGeorgeMac-Barma]

The people's Mayor ❤❤❤❤

[@durabangura9734]

Such a relief, at least she speak out our cry.🙏🏾 Our voice has shot down completely for expressing our mind. May God protect you, because they’ll definitely come after you and stress you the more while working under their government.🤦🏾‍♂️🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱 Freedom for democracy raising again. AMENNNNN

[@aissatoubahbaws]

watching this made me cry , after all we went through during war .

[@MrMeleo08]

Truly love her big time. One day I would like to meet her. I truly love My country 🇸🇱.

[@henriettasackey3910]

Such a brave woman. I'm just speechless.

[@KargboAnisha]

I cry watching this may god continue to bless you mama 😢😭🙏❤️

[@ruvaa.a]

I could not help but think of Michelle Obama when I was watching this documentary she reminds me of her and she's so inspiring. May God bless and protect Mayor Yvonne.❤❤

[@maribrunson4464]

Thank you for sharing, a very emotional documentary.

[@ITAbouttime2020]

This is reminding us of pains 😢💔

[@chelzeeconteh8305]

God Bless you, Mayor Aki Sawyer, well put together

[@rev.melvinao.onyeulor6657]

Yvonne you are a strong and bold woman. I love you and may the Lord continue to protect you, Keep and give you all you need to achieve your aim in Jesus Mighty Name.❤🙏🛐❤️

[@darianclery4455]

Thank you for this

[@yorseh]

I live in Freetown and I have to say this is a very well made documentary Thank you for telling her/our story ❤

[@anubakarrconteh2463]

Good leadership God bless you madam mayor 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🇸🇱

[@abdulgudusbarrie1407]

Am still unable to finish this documentary Seeing our mayor risking the life of her daughter just to get a better Sierra Leone is indeed real love😢😢😢😢. This woman sacrificed everything for Sierra Leone Thank you mum😢😢😢😢

[@YouGoLearn]

Bo duya nor kill Mi wit laff. Dis mayor hypocrite lek dutty shimi.

[@Nadia323-n2z]

​Mr/ miss righteous what have you done for mama Salone

[@SojiesiaLahai1235]

Some things she’s saying were staged but that is what our country has turned into…. Most of our politicians including this very mayor takes their political parties of high esteem more than the nation. All the bad things she did during her first term in office was never mentioned in this documentary video, She refused to work with someone based on his tribe and also higher large number of people from his political party and call it mayor delivery unit with out doing anything… The very blood that was on the ground was not real she also made a video saying the blood wasn’t true…. But we are too quick to put out our problems in the hands of the white man when they are the curse of our problems 😢 BBC we know the mind game you are playing to keep us divided forever but time will tell ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@ibrahimshekukamara5454]

Thank you we need democracy in Sierra Leone

[@abdulsultanlateefkargbo]

My goodness 😭😭😭😭😭what a story she's really a STRONG WOMAN

[@Ladyfaithke]

As a child I watched political movies about sierra leon ,an old and still witnessing instability and turmoil ,may God see them through this for peace and restoration.

[@Hoj299]

Yvonne has always had SL’s best interest at the core of her heart. Met her over 15 years ago before her political endeavours and even then she was working hard for SL. May our maker keep you strong and well equipped to better our beloved SL🙏

[@_Cardona_anastasha_]

Thank you madam mayor, we the youth are hoping freetown can transform again into a better and beautiful nation...🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱

[@abubakarrbah9950]

This documentary is wonderful

[@PappaKay-ct1cq]

A fantastic job!!!! Continue the good work madam Mayor.

[@adeyinkabenjamin9537]

Where is the proof of that work. She is not doing anything for the city of freetown...just using the mayorship to promote herself

[@ITAbouttime2020]

What have you done to improve Sierra Leone? focus on what is happening right now in the country. What has the government of the day done since they came to power? Don’t be a fool, think of the future, don’t think of what you’re enjoying today.

[@danielpoimlenor3098]

The Mayor is very vibrant but the hood loom government won’t let her to do her job. Keep flying the flag Madam!

[@kdont1]

Well put together!👍 Very sad 😢. The truth and justice shall prevail in the Name of Jesus 🙏🏽. I pray for a New Sierra Leone and all those with good intentions for our nation…👏🏻. Well done, madam Mayor!!!👌🙏🏽❤️

[@belgiumbangs5667]

This is not politics, it’s criminal behaviour how on earth you did this to your people. After all you said you’re father of democracy shm sad nation 😭😭😭😭😭 only God can save Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 Amen 🙏

[@MYFATHEREMMANUEL]

VERY SAD HOW Sierra Leone HAS TO GO THROUGH SUCH INJUSTICE, VERY HUMBLE AND LOVERLY PEOPLE THAT DESERVES BETTER.

[@brookroberson6084]

May God bless her and give her a long life! I will never fight for people who doesn't fight for themselves ever.

[@fodaydumbuya9508]

You indeed a strong woman you have left an indelible mark in the political landscape in Sierra Leone. Keep pushing can’t wait to see you declaring for presidency come 2028. Women power! Women power!

[@alhajibangura8601]

❤Our beloved Mayor of Freetown. You are a wonderful personality and Allah sent you to rescue freetownian may you be blessed 🙌🙏

[@ibrahimsuper3683]

May God bless you and you always put salone fos

[@gborowme]

I pray for us

[@mohamedalimconteh3488]

So emotional 😭😭😭

[@adamsaykanu260]

My mayor went through hell in the past election I wish her all the best in her new office Yvonne Aki sawyerr a woman of substance indeed happy international women’s day ❤

[@peggysue1774]

Freetown is dirty I was in Freetown last year, 2023 there is no development, and there is no water is such a shame and disgrace.

[@BeBlackBeBold]

Our future president awaiting. History is about to go down in Sierra Leone. She is young and vibrant. Very strong woman 💪🏿💪🏿

[@BBCAfrica]

📰READ more: "Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr - the tree-planting mayor of Sierra Leone's capital Freetown" ➡ bbc.in/3T0lgWU 🎧LISTEN to the #AfricaDaily podcast: "How tough is it being Freetown’s opposition mayor?" here ➡ bbc.in/49zq8cH

[@kingjosh1630]

Pin it

[@yah7130]

​@@kingjosh1630agreed. It should definitely be pinned

[@shekudukuray2926]

You are nothing but bunch of bais journalists

[@Nadia323-n2z]

​@@shekudukuray2926padi bo sidom yanda

[@BlessedChild7]

Oppression, brutality, killings..... just to silence the voice of truth. It happens everyday in Africa. It's as bad, if not worse here in Nigeria. Our last election was proof of that. With things like this happening, how does Africa intend to get respected in the league of nations??? Great job madam Mayor. Keep this woman at all costs Sierra Leone. She's a beacon of hope.

[@YeanohFarama]

😭😭😭 Tears for my eyes .

[@ishmaelmannah1753]

The mayor is just like every other politician we have here in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱. They are always after their self-interest and party interest. The blood and death of her people during this very election campaign in this documentary were evidently reported by other big international news agencies to be fake. Most of the people in this documentary were hand-picked and most likely fed with what to say or do. Politics in this country is always full of violence between these two political parties (SLPP and APC), and they have always been in power since independence, but we are yet to see much developments in this country. What the government did to the mayor Aki Sawyer will be the same or even worse to any opposition if she and her party the APC are in power. This is how they do things here.

[@sulaimankanu-o3b]

Touching experience 😢 May Allah reward you abundantly

[@fatukargbo7840]

Weldone Her Worship the Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr may d lord guide & protect you from d evil eyes 🙌🤲🙏

[@miltonpoet]

this documentary makes me shed tears seeing my people dyeing for their right Thank you Mayor For showing us the truth

[@mariatuconteh7237]

Thank you Madam Mayor 😢😢😢😢

[@dikitchen8301]

Lovely to watch, this will ever remain down in history

[@Billi261]

Thank you for sharing this story ❤

[@BBCAfrica]

Thanks for watching!

[@AlimSL-232]

So emotional 😭😭😭😭

[@msfinda499]

This is just a bit of a woman’s struggles to attain position in this country and the sorry and saddest part is even your fellow women will be against you because of politics. Mayor is a strong and courageous woman. This is why she remain an inspiration to many of us.

[@mamoudkargbo2156]

Very troubling

[@jodame3925]

yes beloved

[@A2K369]

# ❤ respect to the mayor of freetown 🇸🇱

[@mohamedfornah3006]

Great documentary for democracy ❤

[@SulaimanBah-es3lv]

Watching this makes me almost cry for the Strong Lady she was not given any chance

[@mamoudbah525]

Freetown do not look or feel like a city. It is so disappointing

[@Mac23236]

I’m experiencing multiple emotions of great pride to have a woman fight, represent herself and her country so well. I’m embarrassed. Embarrassed that she has so much more courage than me. And then I feel a wave of anger that with all her talent and willingness to serve she has faced such opposition, violence, character assassination and yet she persists! One day, history will do right by her but for now, I pray that likeminded people will come alongside her to work for the good of the country.

[@yah7130]

This is well said😢

[@AfricaLb]

God bless you madam 😢

[@princegaima3103]

The Mayor who is saying this is the most corrupt person in Sierra Leone. She works for the APC party and not the people who voted for her. BBC stop being biased. You should listen to the other side. The so called Mayor is a scam. This is just a party politics.

[@edralyneconny2536]

Wonderful iron lady. Love from kenya

[@OsmanMarah]

Our mayor and future president of 🇸🇱 ❤️

[@bonfacewachira3297]

This is what all diaspora African should do going back n fighting for change,not sitting fwaaa in yurope

[@jackiezimbo]

I’m watching this 8th of March! Happy International Women’s Day! What an inspiration to women!

[@AbuBakarrPureKamara-qc6wr]

She is really strong

[@jackiezimbo]

Powerful!