By Ibrahim Sesay
Former presidential aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party, Dr. Kaifala Marah, on Wednesday, January 8, 2024 paid a social visit to the Kroo Bay community, delivering a message of peace, unity and support for the people. The gathering, which included residents from surrounding slum communities such as King Jimmy and Spain, served as an opportunity for Dr. Kaifala Marah to engage with the local population and foster open dialogue on critical issues affecting their lives.
He made it clear that his visit was purely social and not politically motivated. “I want to thank you all for this warm welcome,” he stated. “My reason for being here today is not to discuss politics. I’m here on a social visit. Let’s talk and eat as a family.” His remarks emphasized the importance of community engagement and the need to build bridges of understanding among all citizens, irrespective of political affiliations.
Addressing the community’s concerns, Dr. Kaifala Marah acknowledged the dire state of the national economy and affirmed his commitment to standing in solidarity with the grassroots population. “This is the time for me to meet our grassroots population and show that we understand the plight they’re going through,” he remarked, reflecting on the difficulties many face in their everyday lives.
The former Finance Minister also highlighted the specific challenges confronting the Kroo Bay community, such as the recurrent flooding that has caused extensive damage in recent years. Dr. Kaifala Marah reassured the residents of his commitment to advocating for their needs, including improvements in infrastructure and disaster relief efforts.
During the visit, he also took the opportunity to call for peace and discipline within the APC, stressing the importance of unity and lawfulness both within the party and at the national level. “I have been to several states in America calling for peace and unity within the party,” he noted. “Whether inside the party or outside, it is befitting that we conduct ourselves within the confines of the law.”
While his message was one of peace and unity, Dr. Kaifala Marah also subtly critiqued the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), suggesting that their governance has not been able to address key national challenges effectively. “The SLPP lacks the know-how to make our country sweet,” he remarked, adding, “When the time is right, I will begin to highlight the areas where they are failing, including the economy, education and the financial sector.”
Local resident, Aminata Kamara, expressed her gratitude for Dr. Kaifala Marah’s visit, emphasizing the positive impact of his engagement with the community. “We are very happy to have Dr. Kaifala Marah here with us today. He’s a man of the people, and I pray he will help us address some of the challenges we face as a community,” Aminata Kamara said.
Dr. Kaifala Marah’s visit to Kroo Bay underscored his ongoing efforts to remain connected to the people of Sierra Leone and advocate for positive change. His call for peace, unity and a focus on grassroots issues resonated with many, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure within the APC and a potential leader of change for the nation.
