By John Bangura
Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), on Tuesday expressed “deep concern” over the sentencing of Zainab Sheriff, saying the move undermines ongoing efforts toward national dialogue and reconciliation.
In a statement, the APC said the sentencing was carried out while discussions on justice, governance and national reconciliation were underway, describing the timing as “deeply troubling” and “profoundly ill-timed.”
The party argued that the action contradicts the spirit of dialogue and good faith engagement, adding that it risks eroding confidence in mediation efforts aimed at easing political tensions in the country.
“The handling and outcome of this matter” were rejected by the party, the statement said, without providing further legal detail on the case.
The APC said it would escalate its concerns through “all appropriate national, regional and international mechanisms,” signalling the potential for the issue to draw broader scrutiny beyond Sierra Leone.
The government has not yet publicly responded to the APC’s remarks.
