By Sam Brima
Sierra Leone’s main opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC), told international mediators that a political agreement aimed at easing post-election tensions has “collapsed in substance”, warning that urgent intervention is needed to restore confidence.
The APC made the remarks during a meeting with so-called Moral Guarantors of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) and the Tripartite Committee process, which were established following disputed 2023 elections.
“This is the last window for credible action,” APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya said at the start of the talks.
The APC delegation was led by Acting Chairman Osman Foday Yansaneh, while the mediating team was headed by Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang.
Dumbuya said the party had agreed to return to governance following earlier mediation efforts, including talks held at Bintumani, despite internal opposition. However, he said the government had failed to reciprocate in implementing key recommendations.
He cited concerns including alleged political detentions, lack of transparency and delays in implementing reforms proposed by the Tripartite Committee, which was tasked with reviewing the 2023 elections and recommending corrective measures.
“If this is not resolved by the mission, then what was started at Bintumani would be seen as a complete failure,” he said.
Yansaneh reiterated the APC’s long-standing position that the 2023 elections were rigged, adding that continued delays and what he described as unilateral government actions were undermining trust in the process.
He pointed to the recent appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as an example, arguing it conflicted with recommendations of the Tripartite Committee. He also raised concerns about the appointment of Mohamed Konneh, alleging it was done without adequate consultation.
Among other issues, APC officials cited what they described as politically motivated legal cases, lack of political will, and limited direct engagement between President Julius Maada Bio and the opposition.
The party also referenced the recent sentencing of opposition supporter Zainab Sheriff as evidence of continued political pressure.
APC Chief Negotiator Kaifala Marrah criticised what he called weak adherence to reform commitments, raising concerns about electoral transparency, management of the civil register and the adoption of proportional representation.
Separately, Leonard Balogun Koroma questioned delays to the planned 2025 census, warning of possible implications for constituency boundaries ahead of the 2028 elections.
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said efforts were ongoing within the Tripartite Steering Committee to maintain accountability and progress.
Minority Leader in Parliament Abdul Kargbo raised concerns over parliamentary representation and called for implementation of recommendations to strengthen oversight of electoral bodies.
Responding, Tambajang acknowledged the concerns raised and described the ANU and Tripartite recommendations as “moral documents” requiring accountability from all sides.
She said the mediation team would review submissions from both the APC and the government to develop a common position aimed at ensuring stability and national cohesion.
“We will remain engaged until meaningful progress is achieved,” she said.
Both sides agreed to reconvene on April 16 in a smaller setting to address key issues.
