By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a recent update on Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transparency. He stated, “As a Government, we have always committed ourselves to transparency in implementing the resolutions in the Agreement for National Unity we signed with the All Peoples Congress (APC). As Chief Negotiator for the Government, I get regular updates which I have a responsibility to share with the public.”
“Everyone knows we completed the Tripartite Report (Resolution 3) and are already implementing those recommendations. Resolution 4, which calls for a review of all cases of arrested and detained persons perceived by the APC as ‘politically motivated,’ has garnered significant interest,” Dr. Sengeh stated.
He provided an update from the team led by Deputy Minister of Justice, Alphonze Sesay, which revealed the status of the 318 persons listed by the APC, including those involved in the August 2023 coup attempt.
Resolution 4, which calls for a review of all cases of arrested and detained persons perceived by the APC as “politically motivated,” has been a focal point. Dr. Sengeh reported that out of the 318 individuals listed by the APC, the joint review by Government and APC representatives, along with the Sierra Leone Correctional Services, has established the following:
– Only 15 people on the list of 318 are currently in custody.
– 108 escaped from detention during the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023.
– 3 military officers, alleged to be part of the failed coup, were released and reinstated after investigations.
– 53 individuals served jail terms unrelated to elections and have been released.
– 65 individuals were discharged after paying court-ordered fines, also unrelated to elections.
– 14 individuals were released on bail.
– 51 names on the list were never in custody.
– 9 names were duplicated.
“This is what we mean when we say we will govern with an open book,” said Dr. David Sengeh. “President Bio expects transparency, accountabilityand direct engagement with our people who we serve. It is why we believe that together #WeWillDeliver.”
Reflecting on his first year in office as Chief Minister, Dr. Sengeh remarked, “Today marks one year since I took an oath of office to serve as Chief Minister of Sierra Leone. It’s been a year of learning. I’ve never seen it as my time or my turn, or my entitled right, but rather a privilege and honor to serve my country and her people and SLPP. #WeWillDeliver.”
Dr. Sengeh highlighted significant milestones in the past year, including the handover of the Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review Report on July 15, 2024, to various state institutions for implementation. He also noted that on July 3, Cabinet authorized the establishment of a coordination structure to work with parliament, the judiciary and other state institutions to implement the Tripartite Report on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review.
A historic agreement was signed on July 1, 2024 and presented to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Dr. Samura Kamara, Leader of the Opposition APC Party, and Dr. Sengeh himself, featuring about 80 shared recommendations. This landmark event underscores the collaborative efforts in strengthening democracy and independent state institutions in Sierra Leone.
#WeWillDeliver remains the guiding principle as Sierra Leone’s Government continues to prioritize transparency, accountability and progress in all its endeavors.
