By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The All People’s Congress has declared what it describes as the collapse of the implementation process of the Sierra Leone Agreement for National Unity, citing alleged Sierra Leone People’s Party led government’s obstruction and a breakdown in agreed procedures.
At a press briefing held at the party headquarters on 11 Old Railway Line Brookfields, in Freetown, the APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya Esq presented a detailed position paper outlining the party’s concerns over the fate of the agreement. He said the deal, signed in October 2023 following disputed general elections, was initially seen as a framework to promote peace, democratic stability and national cohesion.
Dumbuya noted that the agreement had received backing from regional and international bodies including ECOWAS, the African Union and the Commonwealth, alongside the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion. However, he argued that nearly two years after its signing, the process meant to implement its provisions has stalled.
According to the APC, a key pillar of the agreement was the establishment of a tripartite committee tasked with reviewing the electoral process and recommending reforms. The party now claims that this mechanism has been undermined by government actions and lack of transparency.
The APC alleges that ongoing court cases involving opposition figures, intimidation of supporters and the failure of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone to publish detailed election results have eroded trust in the process. The party also accused the government of bypassing agreed bipartisan structures by appointing a steering committee dominated by cabinet ministers.
Lawyer Dumbuya stated that meetings of the committee have been irregular and lacking transparency, adding that APC representatives were selected without consultation. He maintained that the exclusion of the party from key discussions raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to the agreement.
“The agreement for national unity, once a symbol of hope and collective responsibility, has been systematically undermined,” he said.
Amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2028 elections, the APC has taken further steps by withdrawing its elected officials from Parliament and local councils. The party is also calling for the removal of Edmond Sylvester Alpha, whom it accuses of playing a controversial role in the 2023 electoral process.
Opposition Leader in Parliament Hon Abdul Kargbo also raised constitutional concerns surrounding the agreement. He argued that implementing the accord without parliamentary ratification could conflict with provisions of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, particularly where legal or financial implications are involved.
Hon Kargbo explained that while the President has the authority to enter into international agreements, such agreements must be ratified by Parliament before they can be fully implemented. He stressed that responsibility for ensuring this process lies with the executive arm of government.
The APC has warned that failure to implement the agreed reforms in good faith could heighten political tensions and pose risks to national stability. The party said it remains committed to pursuing peaceful and constitutional means, including demonstrations, to press its demands.
As of now, there has been no official response from the government addressing the APC’s claims. Political observers say the situation reflects deepening divisions within Sierra Leone’s political landscape, particularly on issues relating to electoral reforms and governance.
