In what has been described as an unprecedented moment in Sierra Leone’s democratic history, the National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, on Wednesday 15 April 2026, hosted leaders of 14 registered political parties at the party’s headquarters, Unity House, in Freetown.
The high-level delegation was led by the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman of the All Political Parties Association (APPA), Harold Turay. They were formally received by Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa alongside the SLPP Deputy National Chairman, Robert K. Kargbo.
Speaking during the engagement, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa described the visit as a historic first, noting that it marked the first time leaders of 14 registered political parties had paid a collective visit to the SLPP headquarters.
He expressed profound appreciation to the visiting leaders for what he described as their patriotic support for the President’s nominee for the position of Chief Electoral Commissioner, as well as their shared resolve to defend the Constitution and strengthen democracy in Sierra Leone.
Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa further reminded the delegation that the SLPP was founded on enduring principles of cohesion, dignity and service to all Sierra Leoneans. He stressed that the party’s leader, President Julius Maada Bio, remains firmly committed to democratic governance, constitutional order and national unity, citing his leadership role in the signing of the National Unity Agreement as evidence of that commitment.
He called on all political leaders across the country to continue working collectively in the interest of safeguarding Sierra Leone’s growing democracy and preserving national cohesion.
Also addressing the gathering, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, encouraged the political leaders to remain unwavering in their support for democracy, peace and national development. He commended the various political parties for their continued contributions toward sustaining peace and strengthening social cohesion, noting that their collective efforts remain vital to the stability and democratic progress of Sierra Leone.
On behalf of the visiting delegation, Harold Turay reaffirmed that their support for the Chief Electoral Commissioner nominee was based squarely on competence, experience and national interest. He also urged the All People’s Congress (APC) to respect the rule of law and the constitutional powers vested in the President.
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Chairman of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC), Sheriff Barrie, also underscored the shared democratic values that informed the formation of APPA and the SLPP, particularly respect for the rule of law, national cohesion and the emancipation of Sierra Leoneans.
He encouraged political stakeholders to see one another as partners in nation-building, stressing that Sierra Leone remains the only common home for all citizens regardless of political affiliation. Sheriff Barrie further highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue as a pathway to peace, unity and mutual understanding among political actors.
In the same vein, the National Secretary General of the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP) and APPA, Ibrahim S. Sesay, briefed the meeting on the delegation’s earlier engagement with development partners. He emphasized the importance of broadening the National Unity Agreement to include other political parties beyond the APC and the SLPP-led Government, describing such inclusiveness as essential to deepening national consensus and democratic legitimacy.
The meeting ended on a cordial and symbolic note, with participants sharing traditional Sierra Leonean food and refreshments, further reinforcing the spirit of unity, dialogue and democratic solidarity that defined the engagement.
The gathering brought together representatives from the CDP, PMDC, UDM, RUFP, RENIP, UNPP, ADP, NURP, PLP, PDP, NDA and the SLPP, underscoring a collective national resolve to place Sierra Leone’s peace, constitutional order and democratic future above partisan interests.
Together, the leaders pledged to move the nation forward through unity, dialogue and democratic strength.
