By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Peoples Congress (APC), Alhaji Sidi Yaya Tunis, has issued a stern warning to the ruling Sierra Leone Peopleβs Party (SLPP), accusing it of attempting to manipulate national laws, undermine democratic principles, and disregard the rule of law.
Speaking on Liberty Online TV, Mr. Tunis stressed that the APC would no longer remain passive in the face of what he described as continued violations of democratic norms and institutions by the SLPP-led government.
βWe will not sit by and allow the SLPP to flout the laws and think they will get away with it,β Tunis declared, adding that the APC is prepared to take a more confrontational stance if provoked further.
The outspoken APC spokesman cautioned that the ruling party may soon face what he termed βlawful and real resistanceβ if it continues to act with impunity. According to him, the APC has demonstrated restraint for too long but would not hesitate to rise in defense of Sierra Leoneβs democratic order.
βThey accused us of being destructive, maybe itβs time the APC becomes more destructive, because we will not sit and fold our hands while the SLPP does whatever they want,β he warned.
Tunis emphasized that the APC stands firmly with the people of Sierra Leone and will resist any government action that undermines the will of the citizens.
βAnything the people of this country do not want, the APC will stand behind the people, and we will not allow it,β he said.
His comments come at a time when political tensions remain high, with both ruling and opposition parties trading accusations of abuse of power, disregard for due process, and attempts to weaken democratic checks and balances.
Tunisβs hard-hitting remarks are being interpreted by many as a clear signal that the APC is adopting a tougher approach toward the government. For months, the opposition has voiced concerns over governance issues ranging from judicial independence to the handling of electoral reforms, warning that the actions of the ruling party threaten Sierra Leoneβs fragile democracy.
Political analysts note that Tunisβs sharp rhetoric marks a significant shift in tone, suggesting that the APC may be preparing for a more confrontational role in national politics as the country moves closer to the next election cycle. Some analysts believe that his remarks are aimed at galvanizing APC supporters and sending a strong message that the party will not tolerate what it perceives as continuous attempts by the SLPP to dominate state institutions.
The APCβs insistence on defending what it calls the will of the people underscores the partyβs resolve to remain a strong opposition force. With the political atmosphere already tense, Tunisβs warning may further heighten friction between Sierra Leoneβs two dominant political parties.
Observers say this growing hostility raises questions about the direction of the countryβs political discourse and the ability of both parties to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. Civil society organizations have consistently urged political leaders to engage constructively and place national interest above party interest to maintain peace and stability.
Nevertheless, Tunisβs message was unambiguous: the APC is ready to resist any form of government overreach. His remarks have been described by supporters as a call to vigilance, while critics warn that such confrontational rhetoric risks deepening political divisions at a sensitive time.
As Sierra Leone inches towards another election season, all eyes are now on how the ruling SLPP and opposition APC will navigate their differences. The growing war of words is seen as a harbinger of the heated political battles that may shape the countryβs democratic future.
