By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a landmark display of unity, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the 2023 APC Presidential Candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara, shared a historic handshake and hug on Wednesday June 19, 2024 at State House following the conclusion of the National Unity Agreement Tripartite Committee process. This momentous event marked a significant step towards national reconciliation and democratic reform in Sierra Leone.
During a formal ceremony, President Bio announced an extension for the presentation of the Independent Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review report. He expressed his gratitude to Committee members, international partners and moral guarantors, emphasizing the nation’s progress and the intentional efforts to strengthen democracy.
“This is not the final day,” President Bio stated. “You still have some work to do. I encourage you to come back as quickly as possible with a mission-accomplished report.”
“The evolution of democracy is a gradual process,” President Bio remarked, “Every generation of leaders contributes to its development. Today, we make our contribution.”
He acknowledged the support of political party leaders, development partners and the Ambassadors of the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union for their vital role in guiding the process. President Bio encouraged the Committee to finalize its work promptly, highlighting the importance of reforming the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) to ensure a fair electoral system for future generations.
Dr. Samura Kamara, representing the APC, emphasized the significance of the engagement, noting it as a historic first where two rival political parties sat together for the nation’s benefit. He affirmed the APC’s commitment to the initiative, underscoring the necessity of correcting electoral wrongs to build a robust democracy.
“This initiative is for Sierra Leone,” Dr. Kamara stated, “We are one family, regardless of our origins.”
The ECOWAS-AU-UNOWAS Mission lead, former Vice President of The Gambia, Her Excellency Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, commended the milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic history. She called for unity, urging both the Government and the APC to prioritize national development over political and regional differences.
As the nation looks forward to the Committee’s final report, there is a renewed sense of hope and optimism for Sierra Leone’s democratic and economic future.
In a milestone agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL) and the All People’s Congress (APC) have pledged to continue their collaborative efforts, marking a significant step towards electoral justice, reforms, peace and national cohesion.
Key Points:
1. Implementation of Resolution Three: Both the GOSL and the APC reaffirm their commitment to Resolution Three of the Agreement for National Unity, focusing on examining electoral systems, structures and processes to ensure free, fair and credible future elections in Sierra Leone.
2. Progress and Future Steps: The Tripartite Committee, established under Resolution Three, has made substantial progress over the past six months, finalizing its Terms of Reference, engaging stakeholders nationally and collaborating with international experts. The Committee is nearing completion of its comprehensive report, which will be presented to the President of Sierra Leone.
3. Strengthening Inclusive Democracy: Both parties anticipate the implementation of recommendations and reforms aimed at enhancing the conduct of elections in a transparent manner and fostering inclusive democracy in Sierra Leone.
4. Commitment to National Unity: The GOSL and the APC reaffirm their dedication to peace, electoral justice and national unity, condemning any actions aimed at inciting violence or disrupting the democratic process. Full implementation of all resolutions in the Agreement for National Unity is assured.
5. Conclusion: The GOSL and the APC extend their gratitude to development partners, experts, and moral guarantors for their support. They call upon all stakeholders and citizens to uphold peace and back crucial electoral reforms for a stronger, more inclusive and democratic Sierra Leone.
This joint statement underscores a significant stride towards fostering unity and democratic values in Sierra Leone, marking a collaborative effort towards a brighter future for the nation.
In a pivotal address to the nation, Dr. Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara, the Presidential Candidate of the All Peoples Congress Party, delivered a stirring speech on the progress of the Cross-Party Agreement for National Unity on June 19, 2024.
Dr. Kamara commenced his address with a profound invocation of values, invoking Truth, Justice, Peace, Love, Democracy, and Honour. He extended warm greetings to the devout and offered sincere wishes to Muslim compatriots who recently observed Eid al-Adha and undertook the Hajj pilgrimage. Amid challenging times, Dr. Kamara sought the Almighty’s guidance and protection for all citizens.
Reflecting on the contentious June 24, 2023 multi-tier elections, Dr. Kamara emphasized the myriad concerns surrounding the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone’s conduct. He lamented the lack of transparency in result dissemination, labeling it as a grave setback for Sierra Leone’s democratic principles.
Acknowledging the All Peoples Congress’s decision to contest the election results, Dr. Kamara underscored the critical role of international mediation in fostering dialogue between political factions. The resulting Agreement for National Unity aimed to address electoral irregularities and promote political tolerance.
Dr. Kamara expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of regional and international partners, highlighting the pivotal role of the Tripartite Committee in analyzing election discrepancies. However, he voiced frustration over the Electoral Commission’s reluctance to provide crucial data for investigation, hindering the Committee’s progress.
The Agreement for National Unity, Dr. Kamara stressed, represents an opportunity to mend political divisions and foster inclusive governance. Despite imperfections, it signals a commitment to prioritizing national interest over partisan politics and advancing economic prosperity.
Urging against violence and ethnic animosity, Dr. Kamara emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue and mutual respect. He underscored the importance of electoral justice in ensuring lasting peace, drawing parallels with Sierra Leone’s tumultuous history.
Dr. Kamara concluded by reaffirming his dedication to the national transformation process, calling for collective efforts to uphold democratic values and institutional integrity. He reiterated the APC’s commitment to electoral transparency and justice, urging for unity in pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous Sierra Leone.
The address resonated with a call for national solidarity, urging citizens to embrace the values of democracy and inclusivity as the cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s future.
