The main opposition party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), has issued a strongly worded press release rejecting and condemning what it describes as a “reckless,” “politically motivated,” and “illegal” move by the Sierra Leone government to create new districts and cities without proper consultation or legal basis.
The announcement, made by Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs Hon. Tamba Lamin during Civic Day events in Moyamba, revealed plans to establish two new districts—Bandajuma and Kpangoma—and new cities, including the formalization of Lungi Township.
In its response, the APC accused the government of attempting to manipulate Sierra Leone’s governance and electoral boundaries for partisan gain. “We will not sit by and allow the government to distort our national administrative and electoral systems through illegal and premature actions cloaked as development,” the party stated.
The APC emphasized that such administrative reforms should be grounded in a credible, inclusive, and transparent national census. The party criticized the ongoing census process, alleging that it lacks transparency, has not produced preliminary results, and has excluded the APC from key technical committees. “There is no validated data,” the statement noted, adding that “Cabinet approval without due process renders the entire process a sham.”
The opposition party warned of dire consequences if the government continues on its current trajectory. “This is nothing but a naked abuse of power,” the APC charged. “Today it is two new districts; tomorrow it may be the erosion of your voting rights.”
Calling for nationwide resistance, the APC urged Sierra Leoneans to “stand up” and “demonstrate their rejection” of what it views as a dangerous and premeditated effort to restructure electoral boundaries for political control. The party also called on international development partners—including the EU, UN agencies, and diplomatic missions—to “take note of this blatant interference” in the census process and governance.
The statement, signed by National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, concluded with a demand for the immediate retraction of the minister’s announcement and full clarification from Cabinet. “Sierra Leone is not a playground for political experiments,” it read. “We will defend its integrity with every ounce of our strength.”
This development marks a sharp escalation in political tensions, as questions mount over the integrity of national processes and the legitimacy of looming governance reforms.
By Brian Cocker
