By Mackie M. Jalloh
On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, protests erupted outside the All Peoples Congress (APC) party headquarters on Old Railway Line in Freetown, with demonstrators demanding electoral justice in the wake of the APC’s loss in the 2023 elections to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). A group of individuals, claiming to be APC supporters, gathered near the office, chanting slogans and disrupting the peaceful environment.
This unrest unfolded as the APC National Executive was meeting inside with representatives of international organizations, including ECOWAS, the African Union, UNOWAS, and the Commonwealth, who were overseeing the implementation of the “Agreement of National Unity.” The agreement, signed in October 2023 between the APC and the government, was designed to address ongoing political tensions and promote national reconciliation.
The APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Sidi Yaya Tunis, swiftly distanced the party from the protests, categorically denying any connection between the APC and the disruptive group. Tunis emphasized that the meeting inside the party headquarters was peaceful, with police presence requested only for security purposes. “There are no disturbances at our party office,” Tunis asserted. “We are engaged in a meeting with a joint international mission, and we requested the police to ensure security. Those without legitimate business here should not cause trouble.”
This statement was supported by a letter dated October 14, 2024, from APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, requesting police to maintain order during the leadership meeting. The international delegation, led by former Gambian Vice President Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang, was present to monitor the progress of the peace agreement.
Speaking at the government’s weekly press briefing, Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bah confirmed the protests, stating that police quickly responded to the disorder, arresting 20 individuals involved in the chaos. “The Sierra Leone Police acted swiftly to restore calm. Twenty people have been arrested and are assisting with the investigation,” Bah said, noting that the situation had been brought under control.
While the government stressed its commitment to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, Bah warned that anyone who disrupts public order would face legal consequences. “The government respects the right to peaceful expression, but no one will be allowed to disturb the peace and security of others,” he added.
As the APC faces increased scrutiny in the aftermath of the 2023 elections, the protests highlight lingering tensions between the opposition and the ruling party. Both sides remain under pressure from international observers to ensure the stability and peace of Sierra Leone in these politically charged times.
