In a candid interview, the All People’s Congress (APC) Secretary General, Mr. Dumbuya, raised serious concerns over the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government’s commitment to transparency. He asserted that the government’s handling of critical recommendations from the Tripartite Committee—a body formed to address concerns from the contentious 2023 election—shows that the SLPP "cannot be trusted."
Dumbuya highlighted that while both parties agreed on the committee’s recommendations to foster political stability and reduce divisive tensions, the SLPP has repeatedly acted without forthrightness. “We know the government is not to be trusted,” Dumbuya said, adding that the APC remains dedicated to ensuring these recommendations are implemented without bias or hidden agendas.
APC's Push for Full Implementation of Tripartite Recommendations
The APC leader stressed the significance of the Tripartite Committee's recommendations, describing them as essential steps toward healing the nation’s politically charged atmosphere. Following the 2023 elections, which the APC contested as fraudulent, the committee was established to address both parties' grievances. Its recommendations aim to pave the way for fairer political engagement, democratic accountability, and a reduction in the toxicity surrounding electoral disputes.
Dumbuya praised the dedication of APC representatives in the committee and expressed confidence that full implementation of these recommendations could prevent the recurrence of the unrest witnessed last year. However, he warned that some of the committee’s demands have specific timelines that have already passed without government action, raising doubts about the SLPP’s sincerity.
Engagement with Diplomatic and Foreign Partners
The APC leadership recently met with international partners and foreign diplomats to address their concerns. During the meeting, these allies reportedly assured the APC that they would support the recommendation’s implementation. Dumbuya emphasized that international engagement is crucial to holding the SLPP accountable and ensuring a more balanced democratic process.
Call for Fair Representation and Transparency
A significant source of tension is the SLPP’s alleged dominance in the Tripartite Committee, which Dumbuya argues lacks fair APC representation. He cited the Steering Committee as an example, noting that while it includes nine SLPP ministers and representatives from 15 government agencies, only three APC members were appointed—and by the SLPP itself, rather than the APC. Dumbuya criticized this as undermining the APC's autonomy, remarking, “Our representatives are capable, but we should have the freedom to select them.”
According to Dumbuya, the APC is not seeking total control of the committee but rather fair and equitable representation that respects the party's autonomy. He stressed that the APC had communicated this concern to the international community, arguing that free, fair, and transparent representation is essential for democratic legitimacy.
Origins of the Tripartite Committee and Its Mission for Sierra Leone
The Tripartite Committee was established after the APC disputed the 2023 election results, citing alleged irregularities that they claimed were in favor of the SLPP. Following the election, the APC initially boycotted government affairs, rejoining only after foreign and diplomatic interventions encouraged dialogue. The committee, formed by both parties, created a roadmap of recommendations to heal the post-election divide, foster trust, and ensure a more democratic process.
Dumbuya acknowledged that while the APC re-engaged with the government for the nation's greater good, the SLPP's recent actions have questioned the party's sincerity. The committee's recommendations were finalized in June this year, and since then, many in Sierra Leone have been waiting for their full implementation as a step toward genuine reconciliation.
Looking Ahead to 2028: Can Sierra Leone Achieve Peaceful Elections?
Sierra Leone is scheduled to hold its next elections in 2028, and political analysts believe that implementing the committee’s recommendations could be crucial for ensuring peaceful and fair elections. The 2023 elections saw a sharp increase in political hostility, an issue that the committee aimed to address. The recommendations focus on enhancing transparency, increasing bipartisan cooperation, and reducing political manipulation.
While the SLPP has stated its commitment to peace and democratic values, Dumbuya’s statements underscore a profound mistrust that could jeopardize these efforts. His warnings signal an urgent call for genuine partnership from the ruling party, urging them to collaborate in the interest of national unity. Only time will tell whether the SLPP will meet this challenge and work with the APC to foster a healthier political climate ahead of the 2028 elections.