From what this newspaper has learnt, a growing trend appears to be emerging within Sierra Leone’s post-election political landscape, with a number of members of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) reportedly distancing themselves from the party, citing concerns ranging from dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of key national political developments to fears for their personal safety. While the circumstances surrounding each resignation differ, many are said to share a common belief that the party has not done enough to protect the interests of its supporters in the aftermath of the country’s deeply contested political events.
The latest case involves Alie Kanu, an ordinary member of the APC from Karene District, Constituency 065, Ward 222, who has formally resigned from the party through a letter dated 10 January 2025, addressed to the Secretary-General at the party’s headquarters in Freetown. In the letter, Alie Kanu stated that he had decided to relinquish his membership with immediate effect after what he described as careful reflection on developments that had gradually diminished his confidence in the party’s leadership.
Political observers note that since the conclusion of the disputed 2023 General Elections, the APC has continued to grapple with internal disagreements over how the leadership responded to the outcome of the presidential election, the implementation of the National Unity Agreement, and the broader strategy adopted in engaging both the Government and the international community. Although many party loyalists remain firmly committed to the APC, there have been occasional reports of members expressing frustration over what they consider to be the party’s inability to adequately respond to the concerns of its grassroots supporters.
In explaining his decision, Alie Kanu stated that one of his greatest disappointments was what he perceived as the failure of the party leadership to take a more proactive public position following the arrests and prosecution of several APC members over their alleged involvement in the August 8, 9 and 10, 2022 protests. According to him, he had expected the leadership to consistently and forcefully defend members whom he believed deserved stronger political and legal support during what has remained one of the country’s most controversial episodes in recent years.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of the aftermath of the 2023 Presidential Election, which he believes was not conducted fairly. In his resignation letter, Alie Kanu stated that he had expected the APC leadership to vigorously defend what he described as the votes of its supporters and to continue pressing for a rerun of the presidential election in pursuit of justice, transparency and democratic accountability. He maintained that the actions taken by the party leadership fell short of his expectations and ultimately weakened his confidence in the organisation.
Beyond his political concerns, Alie Kanu also cited personal security as a major factor behind his resignation. He alleged that he has continued to face harassment from the Resident Minister for the North and the Minister’s son, who, according to him, have accused him of participating in the August 2022 protests. He further stated that remarks by the Minister of Information and Civic Education suggesting that authorities were still searching for individuals allegedly linked to those protests had heightened his fears. According to Alie Kanu, he felt abandoned by the party during this period and did not receive the support or protection he had expected as a member.
In his letter, Alie Kanu requested that his resignation be accepted and that his name be removed from the APC’s membership register with immediate effect. While thanking the party for the opportunity to have been a member, he wished it success in its future endeavours.
Whether Alie Kanu’s resignation represents an isolated decision or forms part of a broader pattern of disillusionment among some opposition supporters remains a matter of political debate. However, his departure adds to the ongoing conversation surrounding the challenges confronting political parties in maintaining the confidence of their members in the aftermath of highly contested elections. As Sierra Leone continues to navigate its evolving democratic journey, the ability of political parties to reassure, engage, and retain their supporters is likely to remain a key measure of their strength, credibility, and internal cohesion.
The Calabash Newspaper reached out to the APC leadership and the officials mentioned in the resignation letter for comment. Their responses will be published when received.
