Bo City, Sierra Leone – President Julius Maada Bio caused a stir over the weekend when he was spotted cruising through the streets of Bo in a brand-new 2025 Yangwang U8, a high-end SUV manufactured by Chinese automaker BYD Auto under its luxury Yangwang brand.
Valued at approximately USD 150,000, the high-tech vehicle boasts a range of advanced features including 360-degree “tank turn” capabilities, amphibious functionality, and a hybrid electric powertrain supported by a 2.0-liter petrol engine for extended range.
The SUV has captured the attention of both car enthusiasts and political observers.
Sources suggest the luxury SUV may have been a gift from Gilbert Zhao, CEO of Leone Rock Metal Group, who reportedly departed the country shortly after the vehicle was handed over. This alleged gesture has sparked a wave of public scrutiny, particularly amid ongoing concerns about transparency and fairness in Sierra Leone’s mining industry.
While some view the president’s new ride as a symbol of strong international business ties, others see it as a troubling indicator of possible favoritism and unequal access to opportunities within the sector.
The controversy underscores growing public demand for greater oversight in government-business relations.
