Browsing by Author "Yusuf, Mohamed"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Challenges in Mitigating Youth Violence in Bo City
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2023) Yusuf, Mohamed
The stability of Sierra Leone after the war is seriously threatened by youth violence. Youth-initiated violence has hindered growth and scared away investors from a nation that needs private sector investment to eliminate unemployment and over-reliance on government for empowerment and opportunities. This study has strengthened the body of research supporting many risk factors for violence young adults commit. The research’s conclusions showed that several structural issues threaten law enforcement and societal stability, including complete mistrust of the judiciary and police, the proliferation of weapons, and crumbling family institutions. This study offers a different standpoint on youth violence and blames the failing social institutions for abating youth-perpetrated violence. In Sierra Leone today, most social institutions have reneged on their responsibilities to perform societal functions. These failures have served as a causative factor for youth violence in post-conflict Sierra Leone and continue to make the country unstable. In this study, the researcher advances the argument on the basis of the findings that young people who engage in violent behaviors are protected mainly by their families, communities, and friends, making law enforcement difficult.
Evaluating local governance efficiency through decentralization: Insights from Kenema District Council
(2025-08-22) Yusuf, Mohamed
This study examines how effectively decentralization improves local governance and service delivery in Kenema District, Sierra Leone, focusing on the Kenema District Council (KDC). Its aim is to assess whether the decentralization framework has strengthened local government and made service delivery more responsive and effective. The study employed a quantitative approach and was conducted in four chiefdoms: Nongowa, Lower Bambara, Dodo, and Small Bo. A total of 240 respondents (60 from each chiefdom) participated in a structured survey covering key topics like service delivery, local governance, revenue generation, capacity constraints, and citizen participation. Most respondents indicated that infrastructure and accessibility had improved, especially road networks and public building development, though challenges remain. Issues such as corruption, lack of tax transparency, low revenue, and limited public engagement continue to persist. A significant 68.3% of residents in Dodo Chiefdom identified lack of tax knowledge as a major problem. Over 70% of residents in Nongowa and Small Bo cited corruption as the main reason for not paying taxes. Capacity issues were also noted, with 71.7% of Lower Bambara and 65% of Small Bo residents mentioning low responsiveness and monitoring as obstacles to effective service delivery. The report recommends a comprehensive approach that includes better community education on taxes, stronger monitoring and accountability measures, equitable tax education, and training for local government officials. Implementing these steps is crucial for improving decentralization and supporting local development in Kenema and beyond.
Factors Contributing to Youth Violence in Bo City
(B P International (a part of SCIENCEDOMAIN International), 2023-11-18) Yusuf, Mohamed
The post-conflict stability of Sierra Leone is significantly jeopardized by the prevalence of youth violence. The prevalence of violence instigated by young people has impeded the progress of a nation, deterring potential investors. This is particularly detrimental for a country that heavily relies on private sector investment to address issues such as unemployment and reduce dependence on government for empowerment and opportunity. This study was conducted in Bo City and has contributed to the existing body of research that indicates many risk variables associated with violent behavior among young people. The outcomes of the study reveal that several structural challenges pose an immediate threat to both law enforcement and social stability. These challenges include a profound lack of faith in the court and police, the widespread availability of firearms, and the deterioration of family structures. This research presents an alternative perspective on the issue of youth violence, attributing the increase in violence committed by young people to the shortcomings of social institutions. In contemporary Sierra Leone, many social institutions have failed to fulfill their obligations in carrying out essential societal activities. The aforementioned failings have played a significant role in contributing to the rise in youth-perpetrated violence in Bo City and increasing the overall instability of the nation. This study posits that the protection afforded to young individuals who participate in violent activities mostly stems from their families, communities, and social support networks, posing challenges for law enforcement efforts.