By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a strongly worded letter dated November 5, 2024, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, the 2023 All People’s Congress (APC) presidential candidate, has publicly addressed the APC’s leadership concerning ongoing disagreements within the party. Dr. Kamara’s 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 party’s future but also Sierra Leone’s democratic landscape.
Dr. Kamara’s letter was prompted by the APC National Secretary General’s (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 party’s current trajectory and its leadership transition. However, rather than engaging with these core issues, the NSG’s reply focused solely on requesting Dr. Kamara to relinquish the keys to his office at the party’s Freetown headquarters.
Kamara expressed disappointment that the NSG’s response sidestepped the pressing issues he had raised. He sees the letter’s 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 NSG’s 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 people’s democratic rights.
Dr. Kamara reiterates his enduring allegiance to the APC, declaring it a core part of his identity. “APC has been and continues to be my DNA to eternity,” he affirmed, emphasizing that his commitment to the party remains steadfast. This loyalty, he said, is grounded in his belief in the party’s mission and its potential to address the profound challenges currently facing Sierra Leone.
A critical component of Dr. Kamara’s response is his insistence on his continued role as the APC’s 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 “electoral justice” 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 election’s 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. Kamara’s 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 Leone’s main political entities. However, Dr. Kamara claims the APC leadership has marginalized the ANU’s objectives and diverted attention from its significance to party members and the nation.
The letter further details Dr. Kamara’s belief that the APC has made significant contributions toward promoting electoral integrity in Sierra Leone. He commends the party’s 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 Leoneans’ democratic rights, particularly those who feel marginalized or left behind by the current administration.
Dr. Kamara’s frustration with the NSG’s 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 party’s resilience in times of political upheaval. For him, the party’s 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 party’s stance on electoral justice, a cause he describes as resonating deeply with the APC base and all Sierra Leoneans concerned with democratic integrity. “We cannot at this point in time risk missing the woods for the trees nor throwing the baby with the bathwater,” he warns, urging APC leaders to stay true to the party’s mission of defending the people’s democratic rights.
Dr. Kamara’s letter reflects the ongoing challenges within Sierra Leone’s 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 power struggles.
