‘Small Boys’ Remark Sparks Tensions Over SLPP Executive Leadership
A heated debate erupted between journalist and media commentator Thomas Dixon and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Publicity Secretary Moses Mambu over Dixon’s assertion that members of the party’s executive behave like “small boys.”
Appearing on Africa Young Voices (AYV) on Sunday, Dixon criticized the party's handling of a public notice concerning prominent SLPP figure Musa Tarawally, arguing that the leadership should have contacted Tarawally directly before releasing letters on social media platforms.
“Apart from being an SLPP member, Musa Tarawally is not an ordinary politician,” Dixon remarked, suggesting that standard protocol and direct communication should have taken precedence over public disclosures.
Dixon further suggested that internal party discipline was deteriorating, characterizing the current operational climate as one where leadership is “losing control.”
“I want to urge the leader of the SLPP, President Bio, to begin taking control, because small boys are in the executive,” Dixon stated during the interview.
In response, SLPP Publicity Secretary Moses Mambu strongly rejected Dixon’s characterization, framing the remarks as a direct disrespect toward Sierra Leone’s oldest political organization.
“The SLPP was formed in 1951, way before Dixon was born. He can't say those that are ruling the SLPP are small boys. That's an insult and he needs to take it back,” Mambu pushed back, insisting that the rich history and experience of the party executive deserve respect.
Mambu specifically highlighted the tenure of SLPP National Chairman Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, noting his decades of service dating back to the administration of former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
Clarifying his stance, Dixon insisted he was not targeting Chairman Songa directly, but maintained his broader point regarding executive governance.
“I do not call Sir Jimmy Batilo a small boy,” Dixon clarified, reiterating that his critique was intended as an appeal to President Bio to assert firmer oversight over the party's day-to-day administrative affairs.
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