By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has confirmed its first direct engagement with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government since the recent political standoff, describing the discussions as “productive and constructive.”
Opposition Parliamentary Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, disclosed that the talks were held with a government delegation led by Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and facilitated by international moral guarantors. The engagement is being widely viewed as a significant step toward easing political tensions and advancing dialogue between the two sides.
According to Kargbo, the discussions were conducted in an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect, focusing on key national concerns, including the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity, electoral reforms, and recommendations of the Tripartite Committee. He emphasized that sustained dialogue, trust, and accountability remain essential to safeguarding national stability and strengthening democratic governance.
The talks followed a series of engagements led by Vice President Juldeh Jalloh aimed at restoring calm and ensuring continuity in governance, particularly within local councils. On April 15, 2026, the Vice President, in his capacity as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralisation and Local Governance, met with key stakeholders, including Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Western Area Rural District Council Chairman Kasho Holland-Cole, as part of efforts to address tensions affecting APC-led councils.
During the meeting, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh called for cooperation among political actors and underscored the urgent need to resolve the stalemate to enable local councils to function effectively. He noted that all parties share a common responsibility to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services to citizens.
In a related development, President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the Agreement for National Unity during a meeting with the Lead Moral Guarantor, Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, and her delegation at State House on April 17, 2026. The President reiterated his administration’s support for the mediated dialogue process initiated in October 2023 and emphasized the importance of inclusive political engagement in maintaining peace and stability.
President Bio further highlighted ongoing government efforts to improve the welfare of citizens, including measures aimed at reducing fuel prices and strengthening democratic processes through reforms designed to enhance transparency and credibility. He expressed appreciation to Vice President Juldeh Jalloh and the international moral guarantors for their continued role in supporting national cohesion.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay confirmed that the dialogue provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review progress made in implementing electoral reforms and the Tripartite Committee recommendations. He noted that the engagement enabled frank discussions on existing challenges and opportunities, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening governance systems.
In a press release, APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya stated that the negotiations, led on the government side by the Vice President, are addressing critical national issues with the support of international moral guarantors. He added that although discussions are ongoing, the party is encouraged by the progress made and remains committed to continued engagement.
The renewed dialogue between the government, the opposition, and international partners is widely regarded as a crucial step toward de-escalating political tensions, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting national unity in Sierra Leone. Stakeholders have expressed cautious optimism that sustained engagement will yield meaningful outcomes in advancing governance reforms and consolidating peace.
