By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a strongly worded letter dated November 5, 2024, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, the 2023 All Peopleโs Congress (APC) presidential candidate, has publicly addressed the APCโs leadership concerning ongoing disagreements within the party. Dr. Kamaraโs letter, addressed to National Chairman Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, underscores his dedication to the APC cause and the urgency of addressing pressing issues that impact not only the partyโs future but also Sierra Leoneโs democratic landscape.
Dr. Kamaraโs letter was prompted by the APC National Secretary Generalโs (NSG) response to a previous letter of his. In the October 28 communication, Dr. Kamara had highlighted the need for a serious discussion regarding the partyโs current trajectory and its leadership transition. However, rather than engaging with these core issues, the NSGโs reply focused solely on requesting Dr. Kamara to relinquish the keys to his office at the partyโs Freetown headquarters.
Kamara expressed disappointment that the NSGโs response sidestepped the pressing issues he had raised. He sees the letterโs focus on an office key handover as both unprecedented and trivial, especially amidst what he describes as the severe political and socioeconomic crises Sierra Leone is facing. For Dr. Kamara, the NSGโs request fails to acknowledge the broader struggles of the APC supporters who, according to him, look to the party for a leadership that addresses electoral injustices and advocates for the peopleโs democratic rights.
Dr. Kamara reiterates his enduring allegiance to the APC, declaring it a core part of his identity. โAPC has been and continues to be my DNA to eternity,โ he affirmed, emphasizing that his commitment to the party remains steadfast. This loyalty, he said, is grounded in his belief in the partyโs mission and its potential to address the profound challenges currently facing Sierra Leone.
A critical component of Dr. Kamaraโs response is his insistence on his continued role as the APCโs flagbearer and 2023 presidential candidate. He contends that his leadership position remains in place, supported by the party constitution, especially as the APC pursues what he terms โelectoral justiceโ following the disputed June 24, 2023, elections. According to Dr. Kamara, his role extends beyond mere party politics; it is a commitment to exposing the electionโs alleged irregularities and to representing the voters who, he argues, were disenfranchised by a flawed process.
The tension within the APC seems partly linked to Dr. Kamaraโs responsibilities as co-leader of the Cross-Party Dialogue, a role he has held since October 2023. The dialogue involves a Tripartite Committee report which addresses elements of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU), a framework intended to foster cooperation among Sierra Leoneโs main political entities. However, Dr. Kamara claims the APC leadership has marginalized the ANUโs objectives and diverted attention from its significance to party members and the nation.
The letter further details Dr. Kamaraโs belief that the APC has made significant contributions toward promoting electoral integrity in Sierra Leone. He commends the partyโs recent press releases that questioned the legitimacy of the election results announced by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and its involvement in the ANU dialogue process. These actions, Dr. Kamara maintains, are part of a larger mission to advocate for Sierra Leoneansโ democratic rights, particularly those who feel marginalized or left behind by the current administration.
Dr. Kamaraโs frustration with the NSGโs demand is palpable as he likens it to an eviction notice that disregards his years of service and commitment to the party. He argues that prioritizing an office key handover over pressing electoral issues sends the wrong message to the APC supporters who count on the partyโs resilience in times of political upheaval. For him, the partyโs duty to its followers should transcend office space disputes and minor administrative matters.
In closing, Dr. Kamara appeals for unity and a focus on core party objectives, stressing that APC leaders must rise above personal sentiments and egos. He underscores the critical nature of the partyโs stance on electoral justice, a cause he describes as resonating deeply with the APC base and all Sierra Leoneans concerned with democratic integrity. โWe cannot at this point in time risk missing the woods for the trees nor throwing the baby with the bathwater,โ he warns, urging APC leaders to stay true to the partyโs mission of defending the peopleโs democratic rights.
Dr. Kamaraโs letter reflects the ongoing challenges within Sierra Leoneโs leading opposition party, as APC members grapple with leadership dynamics and the implications of a contested election. The letter leaves open questions about the future direction of the APC and the extent to which it will prioritize the fight for electoral justice over internal powerย struggles.
