By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a renewed demonstration of commitment to national cohesion and political reconciliation, the Chief Negotiator of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Kaifala Marah, on Thursday, October 10, 2025, held his inaugural meeting with Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, representing the Government of Sierra Leone, to review progress under the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) and discuss implementation of the Tripartite Committee Recommendations.
The meeting, described as constructive and cordial, focused on consolidating trust between the ruling party and the main opposition. Dr. Kaifala Marah noted that the engagement marked “a constructive step in strengthening dialogue and building trust,” emphasizing that both sides recognized progress already made under the ANU framework.
Among the milestones acknowledged were:
- The payment of salary arrears owed to APC Members of Parliament and councillors.
- The release of APC supporters previously in detention, based on lists submitted by the party secretariat.
- Government approval for the safe return of internally and externally displaced persons.
Dr. Kaifala Marah added that both parties reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the remaining issues and agreed that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice would provide an update on all pending politically motivated cases involving APC members to ensure a fair and timely conclusion of appeals.
Discussions also centered on the implementation of the Tripartite Committee Recommendations, which address electoral and constitutional reforms. Dr. Kaifala Marah announced that APC representation on the Steering Committee would be expanded to include:
- Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq., Legal and Constitutional Expert
- Amb. Dr. Alimamy P. Koroma, Institutional Reform Expert
- Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, Parliamentary Expert
- Dr. Richard Konteh, Elections Expert
- David Fornah, Elections Expert
Recognizing that many of the proposed reforms will require legal and constitutional changes leading to a national referendum, both sides agreed that the Attorney General should organize a seminar with Members of Parliament to promote a clearer understanding of the reforms before their presentation in Parliament.
Dr. Kaifala Marah commended Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and the Government for demonstrating good faith by presenting the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations to Cabinet, describing it as “a sign of genuine commitment to national unity.”
“Our teams have identified specific areas for further discussion, which will be addressed in the next engagement,” Dr. Kaifala Marah stated, reaffirming the APC’s dedication to constructive political dialogue.
In his statement, Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, praised the renewed collaboration and reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to fully implement the ANU resolutions. He explained that upon assuming his role as counterpart negotiator in 2023, Dr. Samura Kamara was the APC representative but that he had worked closely with Dr. Kaifala Marah throughout the process.
“Critics once thought that nothing agreed upon would be implemented,” Dr. David Moinina Sengeh noted. “Yet, today, every resolution has been completed or is ongoing. Even the prolonged Resolution 4, covering salary payments to elected officials and the release of certain detainees, has been fulfilled. Just this week, President Bio’s Cabinet approved the electoral reforms arising from the constitutional review and the Tripartite Committee Report.”
He added confidently: “As Chief Negotiators, we can soon say 100% of the ANU is done. This marks a great milestone for our democracy and political maturity. It proves that when the opposition, Government and institutions work together, national unity becomes reality.”
Concluding his remarks, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh reaffirmed President Bio’s pledge of inclusive governance: “Two years ago, when we signed the ANU, I assured Sierra Leoneans that together #WeWillDeliver. Today, I can say with certainty that together #WeAreDelivering and yes, #WeDeliver.”
