In this fragile state of Sierra Leone, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), a seasoned legal mind and influential figure within the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), has made a clarion call for calm within the party, amid internal political tensions.
Kamara’s message was simple yet profound: the APC must put aside personal differences, factional disputes, and individual ambitions to unite as a formidable force if it hopes to dethrone the SLPP in 2028. His call resonates not only with the grassroots members, who often bear the brunt of party rivalries, but also with the executive leadership, who must steer the party towards a cohesive and effective strategy for the future.
The APC is no stranger to internal strife. The aftermath of its defeat in the 2018 elections was marked by in-house squabbles, leadership disputes, and bitter factionalism. These tensions were only exacerbated by the controversial 2023 elections, which left the party divided and demoralized. As the APC attempts to rebuild its image and regain the trust of the Sierra Leonean electorate, internal rivalries continue to pose a significant threat to its cohesion.
The party’s grassroots supporters, the backbone of its electoral power, are growing increasingly frustrated with the executive leadership’s inability to address their concerns. Many feel alienated by the top brass, who they perceive as more focused on their political ambitions than on the needs of the people. This disconnect between the grassroots and the leadership has created an environment ripe for further division, particularly as the 2028 elections approach.
It is against this backdrop that lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara issued his clarion call for calm via his official X handle. Recognizing that internal discord is the greatest threat to the APC’s chances in 2028, Kamara urged party members to set aside their personal grievances and focus on the larger goal: winning back the presidency. His message was clear: without unity, the APC will remain vulnerable to the SLPP’s political maneuvering and risk losing yet another election.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s appeal for calm is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it addresses the root cause of the APC’s current instability: internal division. As a party that prides itself on being the voice of the people, the APC cannot afford to be seen as fractured and disorganized. A divided party sends a message of weakness to both its supporters and its opponents. It creates an environment where rival factions within the party are more focused on undermining each other than on challenging the SLPP’s grip on power.
Kamara’s call also speaks to the importance of discipline within the party. As a former Attorney General and a respected figure within the APC, Kamara understands the value of maintaining a united front in the face of political adversity. His appeal for calm is not just about resolving personal disputes; it is about ensuring that the APC presents itself as a credible alternative to the SLPP. In a political landscape where public perception is everything, the APC must project an image of stability and unity if it hopes to win the confidence of the electorate.
Furthermore, Kamara’s message underscores the need for the party’s leadership to prioritize the collective good over individual ambition. In recent years, the APC has been plagued by power struggles among its top officials, each vying for control of the party’s future direction. These rivalries have not only weakened the party’s internal structure but have also alienated many of its grassroots supporters. By calling for calm, Kamara is reminding the leadership that the only way to win in 2028 is to work together, not against each other.
The consequences of ignoring Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s call for calm are dire. If the APC fails to address its internal divisions, it risks further alienating its grassroots supporters, many of whom are already disillusioned with the party’s direction. A divided APC will struggle to mount a credible challenge to the SLPP in 2028, as internal rivalries will continue to distract from the larger goal of winning back the presidency.
Moreover, the party’s in-house conflicts will provide the SLPP with ample ammunition to discredit the APC during the campaign. The SLPP, which has its own share of internal issues, will likely exploit the APC’s divisions to paint it as a party in disarray, unfit to govern. If the APC cannot present a united front, it will be difficult for the party to convince the electorate that it is capable of leading the country out of the current political and economic turmoil.
Another disadvantage of not heeding Kamara’s call is the potential for further fragmentation within the party. As rival factions continue to jostle for power, the risk of splinter groups breaking away from the APC becomes more likely. Such a scenario would be catastrophic for the party, as it would weaken its electoral base and reduce its chances of winning in 2028.
Peace and unity within the APC are not just desirable; they are essential for the party’s survival and success. In a political climate as volatile as Sierra Leone’s, a united opposition is the only force capable of challenging the entrenched power of the SLPP. For the APC, peace within its ranks means more than just the absence of conflict—it means the ability to strategize effectively, mobilize resources, and present a coherent vision to the electorate.
A peaceful APC is also better positioned to engage in constructive dialogue with other opposition parties and civil society organizations. In the lead-up to the 2028 elections, the APC will need to build alliances and form coalitions to broaden its appeal. Internal discord will only hinder these efforts, as potential allies will be wary of aligning themselves with a party that cannot manage its own internal affairs.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s leadership qualities and his call for calm make him a unifying figure within the APC. His legal expertise, political experience, and reputation for integrity have earned him respect across the party’s various factions. Rallying around Kamara could be the key to restoring unity within the APC and positioning the party for success in 2028.
Kamara’s calm and measured approach to leadership contrasts with the often combative style of some of his peers. He represents a new generation of APC leaders who are more focused on results than on personal ambition. By rallying behind Kamara, the APC can present itself as a party that is serious about governance, capable of delivering on its promises, and committed to addressing the needs of the people.
Furthermore, Kamara’s appeal to both the grassroots and the executive leadership makes him a bridge between the two. His call for calm is not just directed at the top brass; it is a message to every member of the APC that their individual contributions are vital to the party’s success. By uniting behind Kamara, the APC can tap into the energy and enthusiasm of its grassroots supporters while maintaining the strategic direction of its executive leadership.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s call for calm within the APC is a timely and necessary intervention. As the party faces the twin challenges of internal division and external competition, unity is the only path to victory in the 2028 elections. The importance of Kamara’s clarion call cannot be overstated: without peace and cohesion, the APC will struggle to present itself as a viable alternative to the SLPP.
The time has come for the APC to set aside its internal rivalries and personal grievances and rally around a unifying figure like Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara. By doing so, the party can rebuild its image, restore the confidence of its supporters, and position itself for success in 2028. If the APC fails to heed this call, it risks not only another electoral defeat but also the further erosion of its standing as a political force in Sierra Leone.
