Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads. We have faced and overcome numerous crises — from a brutal civil war to devastating natural disasters and public health emergencies. Yet, one of the most persistent challenges we continue to grapple with is political division. For decades, the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) have operated as fierce rivals; often locked in fierce and bitter competition. While political pluralism is a hallmark of democracy, excessive polarization has often paralyzed our progress, diverted our resources, and diluted our collective vision for a better Sierra Leone.
Today, it is time to embrace a new approach. The APC and SLPP, despite their historical differences, share one unassailable truth: both parties exist to serve the people of Sierra Leone. Instead of channelling energy into conflicts that divide us, we must prioritize collaboration to achieve the goals that will benefit every citizen. The way forward is through unity, partnership, and an alliance rooted in a shared commitment to the country’s progress. For the sake of our people, it is time for the APC and SLPP to set aside rivalries and work together to build a Sierra Leone that serves everyone.
History shows that unity in governance can bring about extraordinary achievements. Throughout the world, successful nations have been built on the foundations of collaboration, with leaders from across the political spectrum coming together to address their countries’ most pressing issues. In times of crisis—from economic downturns to pandemics and conflicts—governments have often found strength through unity. Sierra Leone is no different; we have seen this in our communities, where people from different tribes, religions, and backgrounds unite to face shared challenges.
If we are to address Sierra Leone’s current challenges, a partnership between the APC and SLPP would not only serve as a powerful symbol of unity but also as a practical path forward. Imagine a government where every policy, every decision, and every action is taken with the backing and consensus of both major parties. Such a coalition would reduce political polarization, foster mutual respect, and allow the country to focus on the work that matters: improving the lives of our people.
Tackling Economic Challenges Together: Sierra Leone’s economy faces numerous challenges, from unemployment and inflation to the need for sustainable development. By working together, the APC and SLPP could combine their resources, expertise, and political capital to address these issues head-on. Rather than reinventing the wheel or discarding each other’s ideas, a coalition could bring the best of both parties to the table, developing robust economic strategies that are not limited by partisan interests. This unified approach would offer the stability investors seek and help secure funding for crucial development projects.
Improving Healthcare and Education: Healthcare and education are fundamental rights that should not be politicized. Yet, over the years, these sectors have suffered from partisan policy shifts. By joining forces, the APC and SLPP could create long-term, bipartisan policies to improve the quality of education and healthcare. Together, the parties could prioritize healthcare infrastructure, ensure adequate resources for schools, and provide quality education across the nation, regardless of political affiliation.
Strengthening National Security: Security threats do not discriminate between APC and SLPP supporters. They affect us all, regardless of political beliefs. A coalition government could work together to strengthen our national security and protect all Sierra Leoneans. By pooling resources and intelligence, we can better equip our forces, secure our borders, and address issues of internal security. Political unity in this area would not only make Sierra Leone safer but also set an example of national solidarity in the face of adversity.
Promoting Social Cohesion: Sierra Leone is a country of diverse tribes, cultures, and religions. Unfortunately, political tensions have sometimes been used to exploit these divisions. By forming an alliance, the APC and SLPP could send a powerful message to all Sierra Leoneans that our strength lies in our unity, not in division. Working together, the parties could actively promote policies that celebrate our diversity, support inter-community dialogue, and foster a sense of shared identity and purpose.
An alliance between the APC and SLPP would provide tangible benefits for the citizens of Sierra Leone. First, it would usher in an era of stability. With both major parties working together, government policies would be consistent, allowing for better planning and execution of national projects. Second, it would reduce the likelihood of political violence and tensions during elections, as citizens would see their leaders as partners, not opponents. Third, a united government would be more transparent and accountable. With both parties involved, there would be less room for unchecked power, and citizens could trust that decisions were made with integrity.
By working together, the APC and SLPP would also create a positive cycle of development. With the parties focused on common goals, the government could address key issues more effectively, improving services and raising the standard of living for everyone. A more prosperous and stable Sierra Leone would, in turn, attract investment, create jobs, and ultimately make life better for the entire nation.
A partnership between the APC and SLPP does not mean the end of healthy political competition. Both parties would still maintain their ideologies, but they would prioritize shared goals over partisan interests. To make this alliance work, we must develop a framework for collaboration, one that includes regular consultations, joint policy-making sessions, and shared responsibilities.
Such a framework should also include mechanisms for accountability. By creating a coalition government with representatives from both parties, we could establish checks and balances that keep leaders accountable and responsive to the needs of citizens. This would help build trust among the people, who would see that their government is working for everyone, not just a select few.
The challenges Sierra Leone faces today are too great for any one party to solve alone. We must be willing to put our egos aside and embrace the spirit of unity, not just for ourselves but for future generations. Our children deserve a Sierra Leone where leaders work together to create a brighter future, where political differences do not hinder progress, and where the prosperity of our nation is the ultimate goal.
The APC and SLPP owe it to the people of Sierra Leone to rise above rivalry and embody a new kind of leadership — one that is driven by collaboration, respect, and a commitment to the common good. By joining forces, we can transform Sierra Leone, setting an example for the world of what can be achieved when political leaders put aside their differences for the betterment of their country.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” Today, let us heed these words. Let us work together, build together, and succeed together. For when the APC and SLPP unite for the common goals of Sierra Leone, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
