By Umaru Jah, Berlin, Germany
The city of Darmstadt, Germany came alive over the weekend as Dr. Ibrahim Bangura formally launched his bid for the All People’s Congress (APC) flag bearer position. The two-day event, organised by Team Dr. Ibrahim Bangura Germany, drew APC district executives, diaspora leaders, and supporters from across Mainland Europe, including Germany, The Netherlands, France, Belgium and the U K & I.
The weekend opened with a warm Meet and Greet on Friday evening. Dr. Bangura expressed deep gratitude to attendees for their loyalty, sacrifices, and confidence in his vision. Reflecting on his political journey, he spoke candidly about the personal transformation it has brought. “This journey is no longer about comfort,” he said. “It is about service to Sierra Leone and to our people.”
Saturday’s official launch attracted a vibrant crowd adorned in the party’s red and white colours. The hall echoed with chants and songs of solidarity as Dr. Bangura set out his case for leadership. His address focused on unity, discipline, and reform, calling on members to rebuild the APC into a structured and forward-looking political force.
“The APC I knew when I was younger was disciplined, organised, and guided by strong principles,” he recalled. “That is the APC we must rebuild today.”
Dr. Bangura explained that his decision to run was driven by a commitment to restore order and cohesion within the party and to strengthen its internal systems. His goal, he said, is to contribute meaningfully to resolving the APC’s internal challenges and to help reposition it for national leadership. Once entrusted with the flag bearer role, he pledged to ensure that the party stands ready and unified, a true government in waiting well before the next general elections.
He warned against the growing trend of emotional politics, arguing that leadership should be rooted in reasoning and vision. “Politics is science, not art,” he declared. “It requires structure, logic, and collective purpose.” Dr. Bangura lamented that as a people, Sierra Leoneans often ignore major issues while focusing on trivial ones. “Even within the APC,” he said, “we sometimes allow emotions and resentment to prevent honest conversations about progress and unity.”
To change that culture, he revealed that his team has been working on a framework to guide the party’s internal dialogue away from personality-based campaigns toward policy-oriented discussions. That plan, he explained, will be unveiled in the coming weeks as part of a broader effort to improve the quality of political engagement within the APC.
Dr. Bangura appealed for mutual respect among members, reminding the audience that every APC supporter is a brother or sister and that unity must prevail even in competition. “There can be no victory without peace, and no peace without unity,” he said, urging a return to the values of discipline, respect, and responsibility.
He then turned to the broader challenges confronting Sierra Leone, describing poverty, fragile health systems, and deep social inequality as urgent national concerns that require thoughtful leadership. “We must think Sierra Leone. What kind of nation do we want to build?” he asked. He promised that his leadership would prioritise decentralisation, ensuring that governance and development reach citizens across every region.
Reflecting on his personal and professional journey, Dr. Bangura spoke warmly of his strong ties to Germany and the Netherlands, countries he said he holds dearly because they shaped his formative years. He completed his second Master’s degree in the Netherlands and co-founded Transition International, an organisation dedicated to post-conflict recovery and the reintegration of ex-combatants. Those experiences, he noted, influenced his understanding of peacebuilding and national renewal.
Expressing appreciation to the APC communities across Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium, Dr. Bangura commended their steadfast commitment to the party’s cause. Introducing his campaign team, he praised their discipline and courage, describing his political journey as “the most modest, difficult, and inconveniencing” of his life, yet one he embraces wholeheartedly for Sierra Leone’s progress.
Quoting one of his former professors, he remarked, “War is easier than politics, because in war you know the enemy, but in politics, you often sleep beside the enemy.” The quote drew laughter and reflection as he used it to highlight the complexity and personal cost of public service and the importance of integrity in leadership.
Closing his address, Dr. Bangura reaffirmed his enduring bond with the APC. “I am a son of the APC,” he said. “I began defending this party when it was not fashionable to do so. Today, I am ready to rebuild and reposition it for victory.”
The event concluded on a hopeful note as supporters pledged their full backing. The atmosphere in Darmstadt carried a renewed sense of conviction and a collective call for unity and reform within the APC, along with a shared belief that disciplined leadership can once again guide Sierra Leone toward progress.
