By Forum staff writer
Executive members and flagbearer aspirants of the All People’s Congress have held a high level meeting with Shirley Botchwey, calling for sustained commitment to national unity agreements in Sierra Leone.
The meeting took place on Sierra Leone Independence Day, which marked the country’s 65th anniversary. The engagement coincided with interfaith prayers held at State House as part of official celebrations. It was not immediately clear whether the opposition party had been formally invited to the state ceremony.
During the discussions, representatives of the APC expressed appreciation to the Commonwealth of Nations for its continued support to democratic governance and peacebuilding efforts in the country.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, who attended the meeting, said the party used the opportunity to commend the Commonwealth for what she described as its instrumental role as an international moral guarantor of the Agreement for National Unity. She also acknowledged the recent involvement of the Commonwealth’s Deputy Secretary-General in a guarantor mission aimed at supporting dialogue among political actors.
Linking the discussions to the significance of Independence Day, Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the need for timely implementation of agreed reforms to strengthen national cohesion.
She said that on the country’s 65th anniversary, it was important for unity to be reinforced through inclusive and effective execution of the Tripartite Committee recommendations. According to her, these measures are critical to rebuilding trust in democratic institutions and ensuring political stability.
Among the key proposals raised during the meeting is the establishment of a parliamentary standing committee on electoral matters. The APC believes such a body would play a central role in strengthening democratic processes, improving oversight and enhancing accountability within the electoral system.
Party officials noted that sustained engagement among political stakeholders remains essential in addressing post election concerns and preventing future disputes. They stressed that dialogue, backed by credible international partners, is necessary to maintain peace and democratic progress.
The meeting also highlighted the broader role of international partners in supporting governance reforms in Sierra Leone. The Commonwealth has remained actively involved in facilitating conversations between political actors, particularly following recent tensions surrounding electoral processes.
Observers say the timing of the engagement on Independence Day underscores the symbolic importance of unity and reconciliation in the country’s political landscape. With Sierra Leone continuing to navigate complex governance challenges, stakeholders are increasingly calling for practical steps to translate agreements into action.
The APC delegation reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue and urged all parties to prioritize national interest above partisan considerations. They called on the government and other stakeholders to work collaboratively in implementing reforms that will strengthen institutions and promote long term stability.
The engagement with the Commonwealth Secretary General is seen as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce trust, deepen cooperation and ensure that commitments under the national unity framework are fully realized.
As the country marks another year of independence, attention is now shifting to how effectively these agreements will be implemented in the months ahead.
