By Rodney Charles
Calls are mounting within Sierra Leone’s ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) for an investigation into allegations of misconduct involving senior party officials, following reports of an incident at a recent event in Kono district.
Accounts circulating among party members allege that the SLPP National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, engaged in a confrontation with the party’s National Women’s Leader, Hawa Foray, during the opening of a party office attended by President Julius Maada Bio.
Some witnesses claim the incident involved the chairman forcibly seizing a programme agenda from the women’s leader in public view, while separate, unverified reports have alleged a physical altercation. Reuters could not independently confirm the claims.
The alleged incident has triggered concern among party supporters and civil society voices, with some describing it as inconsistent with the party’s stated values of discipline, unity and respect.
In a separate statement, a women’s group based in Canada called for the immediate suspension of the chairman pending investigation, describing the alleged act as a serious violation of women’s dignity and safety.
Legal practitioner Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara also called for a thorough probe, saying that if the allegations are substantiated, they should be “unequivocally condemned” and addressed through appropriate disciplinary measures.
“We sincerely hope that the information currently circulating proves to be unfounded,” Kamara said, adding that an investigation would demonstrate commitment to protecting women’s rights within political institutions.
The controversy has also reignited broader concerns about internal divisions within the SLPP, with some party members warning that growing factional tensions could undermine unity ahead of future elections.
Additional allegations have emerged regarding disputes at the party’s headquarters in Freetown, including claims of obstruction and intimidation linked to internal administrative matters. These claims have not been independently verified.
The SLPP has not issued an official statement responding to the allegations as of the time of publication.
Analysts say how the party leadership handles the issue could influence public confidence, particularly on matters relating to governance standards and the protection of women’s rights in Sierra Leone.
The allegations come amid ongoing national advocacy on gender-based violence, including campaigns led by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, which have highlighted the need for stronger protections for women and girls.
The incident is expected to intensify debate within the party and beyond over accountability, leadership conduct and internal cohesion in Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
