By Mackie M. Jalloh
The All People’s Congress (APC) has sharply criticized the Government of Sierra Leone for what it describes as undue interference in the detention of its supporters. These individuals were arrested on October 15, 2024, during a peaceful meeting held at the APC national headquarters in Freetown, in the presence of international moral guarantors. According to the APC, the arrests not only contravene legal protocols but also threaten ongoing national reconciliation efforts, raising concerns about the country’s democratic progress.
In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, the APC leadership expressed deep frustration over the continued detention of its members. The party argued that the individuals have been held for an extended period without charge, surpassing the legal 72-hour detention limit enshrined in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. They claim that this detention, carried out under the guise of maintaining public order, is politically motivated and represents a deliberate attempt by the government to undermine the opposition’s efforts to participate in the national reconciliation process.
The APC acknowledged the police force’s role in upholding law and order but stressed that the situation is being manipulated by external forces within the government. They allege that this interference is aimed at creating a hostile political environment, thereby obstructing efforts toward peace and unity in the aftermath of the recent national elections. The APC believes that the current administration is using the police to advance its political agenda, rather than allowing the force to operate as an independent institution.
In its letter, the APC specifically referenced Resolution 4 of the recently signed Unity Agreement, which calls for the immediate release of political detainees held before and after the agreement. The APC insists that the government’s actions are in direct violation of this resolution, as it appears to be targeting APC supporters for their political affiliation. The Unity Agreement, negotiated between Sierra Leone’s major political actors and backed by international guarantors, was intended to foster national healing and reconciliation after a contentious electoral period. However, the APC argues that the government’s continued detention of opposition supporters undercuts the very spirit of the agreement.
The APC’s leadership expressed alarm over reports that the government, in collaboration with the police, is preparing court charges against the detained individuals. They described this move as an attempt to exaggerate the severity of the situation and falsely portray the APC as engaging in unlawful or violent activities. This, the APC claims, is part of a broader strategy to weaken the party’s public image and distract from the government’s failure to uphold democratic principles.
The letter, which was also copied to international moral guarantors, development partners, the Peace Commission, and the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), highlighted that the ongoing detention of the APC supporters poses a significant threat to the peace-building process. The APC warned that failure to resolve this issue could further polarize the political climate in Sierra Leone, particularly as the nation grapples with post-election tensions and fragile efforts to build a unified front. The party called on the police force to assert its independence and resist political pressures, urging them to release the detained individuals in accordance with the law.
The APC’s statement emphasized that the government’s actions could have far-reaching implications, not only for the peace and unity of Sierra Leone but also for the country’s international reputation. The opposition party pointed out that international observers are closely monitoring the situation and any perceived backsliding on democratic principles could erode confidence in Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering national unity and reconciliation.
The APC ended its statement by urging the government to demonstrate good faith by adhering to the terms of the Unity Agreement, which they argued was designed to prevent precisely this type of politically motivated action. The party reiterated its call for the immediate release of its supporters and warned that any escalation of the issue could derail the progress made toward national peace and unity.
In light of these developments, the APC stressed that upholding democratic values and respecting political freedoms are essential if Sierra Leone is to move forward as a unified nation. The party remains committed to engaging in dialogue and contributing to national reconciliation, but it warned that such efforts could be jeopardized if the government continues to prioritize political intimidation over peace-building.
