By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC) past Tuesday held a high-level meeting with the United Nations Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) at the party’s national headquarters in Freetown. The engagement focused on the implementation of recommendations from the Tripartite Committee Report and broader democratic reforms ahead of the 2028 General Elections.
The APC delegation was led by Deputy National Chairman, Ambassador Alhaji Dr. Osman Foday Yansaneh, and included several senior party figures such as National Secretary General Comrade Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, National Publicity Secretary Comrade Sidie Yayah Tunis, Deputy Minority Leader 1 in Parliament Comrade Daniel Koroma, Legal Advisor Comrade Lawyer Africanus Sorie Sesay, and other national officers including representatives from the APC Women’s Congress and National Young Congress.
The UN delegation, representing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and ECOWAS Political Advisory team, was part of a broader initiative to assess Sierra Leone’s readiness for long-term electoral and democratic stability.
Central to the meeting was a detailed discussion on the Tripartite Committee Report, a key outcome of the 2023 post-election political dialogue. The APC emphasized the importance of fully implementing its recommendations, describing them as essential for delivering free, fair, and credible elections in 2028. The party also reiterated its commitment to strengthening democratic governance through lawful and constitutional processes.
Comrade Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, the party’s National Secretary General, opened the session by welcoming the international delegation and expressing gratitude for their sustained interest in Sierra Leone’s democratic progress. He also conveyed apologies on behalf of the APC National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Comrade Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, who was absent due to health reasons.
In a message relayed by Comrade Dumbuya, the Chairman reassured the United Nations Mission and the people of Sierra Leone of his unwavering support for peace, democracy, and reforms. “He assures the Mission and the people of Sierra Leone of his unwavering support and commitment to contributing towards a Sierra Leone that fulfils our collective aspirations,” Dumbuya stated.
Following the introduction, Deputy National Chairman Amb. Dr. Yansaneh took over the substantive discussions. In his remarks, Dr. Yansaneh underscored the APC’s firm position on democratic integrity and legal accountability.
He stated unequivocally that the APC is fully prepared to participate in all processes that are constitutional and legal, but warned against any attempts to subvert the rule of law or manipulate political processes for partisan gain. “The APC will robustly resist any unconstitutional or illegal actions by the current administration,” he declared.
The party also acknowledged the United Nations and its development partners for their continued support in key areas, including electoral reforms, human rights promotion, and efforts to strengthen good governance and judicial independence in Sierra Leone.
“We commend the role of the international community, particularly the United Nations, in helping to build institutions that support democratic resilience,” Dr. Yansaneh noted. “This is a crucial period in our nation’s journey, and we must all work together to ensure a political environment anchored in justice, inclusivity, and transparency.”
The APC delegation further highlighted the need for consistent legal interpretation by Sierra Leone’s courts, particularly as the country approaches a critical period of constitutional and electoral reforms.
The UN NAM’s visit to the APC is part of a broader consultative mission aimed at evaluating progress in post-election reforms and assessing preparedness for future elections. The team is also scheduled to meet with other political parties, civil society groups, and government institutions.
As the 2028 elections draw closer, all eyes will remain on how stakeholders implement key reform recommendations. The APC’s engagement with the UN mission signals its readiness to be a key player in shaping the country’s democratic future—while remaining vigilant against any potential setbacks to constitutional order.
