By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) on Thursday, 13th November 2025, convened a high-level engagement with the leadership of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) as part of its ongoing national peacebuilding and political dialogue efforts. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Defence Conference Room at 1:00 p.m.
The SLPP delegation was led by National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa and National Secretary General Paran Umar Tarawalie. The ICPNC team comprised Board Member Madam Nancy Smart, Executive Secretary Madam Hawa Sally Samai, Deputy Executive Secretary Moses M. Margao and Director of Conflict Prevention Salia Kpaka.
Opening the meeting, Executive Secretary, Madam Hawa Sally Samai, welcomed the SLPP delegation and described their swift response to the Commission’s invitation as a testament to the Party’s respect for national peace mechanisms. She reaffirmed the ICPNC’s commitment to collaborating closely with the new SLPP leadership, noting that political dialogue remains central to sustaining peace and cohesion.
Madam Hawa Sally Samai emphasized the Commission’s preference for mediation and constructive dialogue over press releases when addressing politically sensitive issues such as hate speech, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. She cautioned that political statements, especially those made at public gatherings or circulated on social media, must be measured and responsible to avoid fueling instability.
“Words can heal and unify, but they can also destroy if misused,” she said, urging the ruling party to lead by example and refrain from actions or messages that could trigger political tension.
Also speaking, Board Member, Madam Nancy Smart, underscored the SLPP’s historical responsibility as Sierra Leone’s oldest political party. She reminded the leadership of its obligation to set the tone for national stability and guide its followers towards maintaining peaceful public conduct.
Responding, SLPP National Secretary General, Paran Umar Tarawalie, assured the Commission that the party remains committed to peaceful political engagement despite the challenges inherent in leadership. He noted that the SLPP continues to prepare for the 2028 electoral cycle and will maintain its focus on activities that promote stability.
Paran Umar Tarawalie clarified recent tensions surrounding a public statement by the National Chairman, stating that the remarks had been misinterpreted by the Opposition. He informed the meeting that the SLPP had already pledged to the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) that it would avoid any actions or utterances that could incite violence. He further recommended that the ICPNC establish a Quarterly National Political Dialogue Platform to sustain inter-party engagement.
SLPP National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, reiterated the party’s commitment to peace and the rule of law, noting that President Julius Maada Bio’s establishment of the Peace Commission underscores the importance the Government places on national cohesion. He maintained that his earlier comments had been taken out of context and accused the main opposition APC of engaging in acts that undermine state stability, including violent protests and tribal bigotry.
Jimmy Batilo Songa encouraged the ICPNC to also engage the opposition on their messaging and conduct, emphasizing the need for balanced interventions. He acknowledged existing gaps in the Party’s public relations strategy and committed to strengthening outreach, including broader dissemination of the PPRC Peace Agreement.
He called on state institutions including the ICPNC, ECSL, PPRC, ONS and the Human Rights Commission to take stronger action against political violence, warning that the SLPP may pursue legal steps if provocations persist. He concluded with a pledge to enhance responsible communication through coordinated media and social-media engagement.
The meeting closed with several recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable political cooperation and minimizing nationwide tensions:
- Establishment of a regular inter-party dialogue platform facilitated by the ICPNC.
- Holding similar engagements with the APC and all other registered political parties.
- Strengthened engagement with bloggers, digital platforms and social media outlets to amplify peacebuilding messages.
- Organization of inter-party exchange visits by the ICPNC and PPRC to enhance trust and collaboration.
The ICPNC affirmed that its engagements with political parties will continue as part of a broader national strategy to consolidate peace, promote responsible political behavior and safeguard Sierra Leone’s democratic stability.
