By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Yesterday, the 11th August 2022 Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor David Francis engaged Members of the International Community at its Tower Hill Headquarters in Freetown to brief them about the unfortunate incident that occurred on the 10th August 2022.
According to the Foreign Minister, Prof David Francis, who was updating the International Community with evidence of videos and pictures described Wednesday’s unfortunate incident as a terrorist attack against the State saying it was well orchestrated, planned, and financed to disturb the peace of the country and shouting, “Maada Bio Must Go” with weapons maintaining that it was never a peaceful protest.
Prof Francis furthered that the unlawful and destructive protest that caused the loss of lives of civilians and police officers happened in opposition strongholds in the East End of Freetown and North of the country.
He further stated that the APC Party is behind all the unrest saying there are evidences of premeditated statements, audios, and incitements from APC members to fuel tension and civil unrest in order to call for the removal of a democratically elected Government.
However, the All People’s Congress (APC) Party, in a Press Release signed by the Secretary and Head of Secretariat of ITGC, Hon Abdul Kargbo stated that it notes with grave concern the unfortunate spate of violent events in Freetown and other provincial towns resulting in the loss of their compatriots.
The APC said it offers their deepest sympathies for such grave losses and join the families of the compatriots in mourning their irreplaceable loss praying that May their Souls Rest in Peace maintaining that the loss of lives under any circumstance is regrettable and as a Party they unreservedly condemn violence in every form.
It continued that they are reminding all stakeholders that citizens have a constitutional right to engage in peaceful protests; done within the confines of and with respect for the law.
The APC also stated that, similarly, the security forces always have a constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property, be professional, exercise restraints, and fully observe the rules of engagement.
As a Party, it claims, they continue to reaffirm and reinforce their commitment to sustainable peace and national cohesion stating that more than ever, their democratic institutions and processes must live up to the constitutional tenets and respect the rule of law.
The APC urges all stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, unfounded pronouncements and fully respect the right and dignity of citizens and the rule of law.
It concluded that as a Party, they firmly believe and maintain that the answers to even the most difficult challenges we face as a nation are meaningful and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders in the national discourse to ensure sustainable peace and stability of the country.
