Freemasonry and the Political History of Sierra Leone: 1890 – 1992

This thesis examines the interplay between politics and Freemasonry in Sierra Leone. A largely neglected subject, this project breaks new academic ground, using previously unseen archival records and testimony of Freemasons for its evidence. Discussing the origins or Freemasonry in the 18th Century, and how it became inculcated with principles of universalism, cosmopolitanism and apoliticism, it then examines Freemasonry’s expansion with the British Empire and provides the first account of a lodge in Freetown in the early 19th Century. Re-established in 1890, when the vectors of transmission were both African and British, it illustrates how Freemasonry assimilated itself into part of Krio elite culture in Freetown. It uses the three principles identified above as a fresh analytical framework, provides an original history of Freemasonry in Sierra Leone, and explains how it developed into an institution based on a narrow social stratum in the capital city, failing to deliver on its ideals of equality and openness. It reassesses Cohen’s thesis of the political role of Freemasonry, and argues that it remained, despite significant challenges in a turbulent political history, an apolitical institution. It also demonstrates how it worked as a socio-political network for some members who were also politicians in the postcolonial state, particularly Solomon Pratt during President Stevens’ All People’s Congress government from 1968. This was continued under the government of President Momoh from 1985, who’s previously unexamined prominence as an active Freemason came close to politicising the society before his removal in a coup in 1992.

URI

https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/20693.2

Type

Thesis

Qualification name

PhD

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