By Mariama Bundu
The official launch of the Running Out of Time Salone (ROOTS) Anthem Concert was held on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown. The event brought together government officials, development partners, environmental advocates, artists, and young people.
Launching the initiative, Ahmed Nasralla said ROOTS is a citizens’ movement created by and for the people of Sierra Leone. He stressed that it is not a political party, not an NGO, not an election project, and not owned by any individual, but belongs to all citizens.
He explained that the movement was formed because many Sierra Leoneans are concerned about the way politics is practiced, saying it has become focused on division and ethnicity instead of addressing the country’s real challenges.
According to him, ROOTS aims to unite people from all political parties and backgrounds to work together for national development.
Nasralla outlined three main goals of the movement. First, to encourage citizens to hold leaders accountable by asking questions and ensuring campaign promises are fulfilled. Second, to support community led ideas and initiatives that solve local problems. Third, to encourage elected leaders to put the interests of the people and the country ahead of political parties, family interests, or personal gain.
Speaking on the role of music, he said peaceful demonstrations often fail because people are divided along political lines. He noted that when citizens speak with one voice, they can peacefully demand positive change within the law.
The event also featured the launch of the movement’s anthem, performed by Apreal, Drizilik, Aminish, and Boi. Nasralla praised the artists for using their talent to support a citizens’ movement, saying music has the power to inspire unity and action.
He urged Sierra Leoneans to listen to the anthem with their hearts, register with the movement, share its message, and continue asking respectful questions that promote accountability, including from the movement’s own leaders.
