Joseph Saidu Momoh was born on January 26, 1937, in Binkolo, Bombali District, British Sierra Leone. He rose to prominence in the West African country of Sierra Leone, eventually serving as the second president of the nation from 1985 to 1992. His early years were marked by service in the military, which would later prove to be an important factor in his ascension to political leadership.

Momoh joined the Sierra Leone Army and climbed the ranks, eventually becoming a major general. This military background was critical as he was appointed as president in 1985 following the retirement of President Siaka Stevens. The appointment came under the auspices of the All People's Congress (APC), which had been the ruling political party in Sierra Leone. Momoh’s presidency was endorsed by Stevens, who had established a one-party state under APC rule.

Momoh's tenure as president was marked by significant challenges, most notably economic decline and growing discontent within the country. His government struggled with widespread corruption, inefficiency, and an inability to address the pressing needs of the people, which included poverty and the erosion of basic services. The economy, heavily dependent on mineral exports, faced serious difficulties as international prices for Sierra Leone’s primary commodities, including diamonds, fell. This exacerbated the country's already fragile economic situation.

A critical aspect of Momoh's presidency was the onset of the Sierra Leone Civil War, which began in 1991. This war was initiated by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), a rebel group led by Foday Sankoh, which launched an insurrection against the government, accusing it of corruption and incompetence. The conflict would plunge the country into a brutal and protracted civil war, lasting over a decade.

In the face of mounting pressure and inability to effectively manage the growing insurgency, Momoh's regime was overthrown in a military coup in 1992. The coup was led by Captain Valentine Strasser, who was part of a younger generation of military officers frustrated with the government's failure to address the problems facing the country. Momoh was subsequently exiled to Guinea, where he lived until his death on August 3, 2003.

Joseph Saidu Momoh’s presidency remains a subject of scrutiny, especially regarding his administration's role in the factors leading to the civil war and the deterioration of Sierra Leone’s political and economic landscape during his time in office.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Saidu_Momoh