Sidi Yayah Tunis, the National Publicity Secretary of Sierra Leone's All People’s Congress (APC), has voiced strong criticism toward former APC leader Dr. Samura Kamara, accusing him of failing to champion voter rights during a high-stakes meeting with key international mediators, referred to as "moral guarantors."
In a revealing interview on SLBC, Tunis expressed deep frustration over Kamara’s silence, noting that while the APC delegation raised critical issues on electoral justice and called for transparency in the election process, Kamara refrained from addressing these concerns. “He didn’t say a word—not about electoral justice, nor about the protesters outside who were there because of his call to action,” Tunis said, emphasizing Kamara’s inaction despite the gathering of supporters rallying for a fair electoral process.
Tunis highlighted the APC’s clear stance against the 2023 election results, demanding the release of disaggregated electoral data and pushing for a potential re-run to ensure transparency and trust in the electoral process. He pointed out that the party's position was the foundation for their attendance at the Bintumani talks, where they engaged in discussions resulting in eight key resolutions to bolster electoral accountability.
Tunis explained that these resolutions laid the groundwork for establishing a Tripartite Committee that reviewed electoral procedures. He stressed that the APC felt a responsibility to its supporters—especially the dedicated individuals protesting outside for electoral fairness—by advocating for meaningful reform during these sessions.
The former APC flag bearer’s silence has stirred frustration among APC supporters, some of whom have criticized the party’s leadership for not standing firmly enough on electoral issues. Tunis addressed these concerns head-on, stating, “We’ve been transparent with our members, yet nothing about electoral justice was discussed. Dr. Samura Kamara remained silent on the issue, despite the urgency felt by those outside demonstrating for him.”
Tunis firmly countered allegations from supporters suggesting the APC had "sold out," calling these claims unfounded. “It’s a facade as far as we’re concerned,” he said. “Inside the APC, electoral justice is a constant discussion, but when we’re sitting across from government and international stakeholders, the conversation never reaches that point.”
The interview offers a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of the APC as the party grapples with accountability, leadership challenges, and the drive to restore trust in Sierra Leone’s electoral processes.