Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 21, 2026 – Tensions boiled over into outright violence during the All People’s Congress (APC) lower-level elections in Constituency 131, specifically in Ward 443, located in the Aberdeen area of Western Area Urban.
Eyewitness accounts and initial reports describe heated clashes among party supporters, leading to disruptions in the voting process and prompting swift intervention from local authorities.
The incident unfolded amid high-stakes internal party elections, which had already faced multiple delays. Originally scheduled earlier in the month, the APC’s lower-level polls were postponed to February 21 to allow for better staff training, finalization of party agreements, and deployment of personnel to ensure a smooth process. However, what was intended as a step toward orderly democracy quickly devolved into chaos in this key Freetown constituency.
According to reports from the scene, supporters clashed in what has been described in local Krio as a “bomba fet” a massive brawl, turning the election atmosphere upside down. The violence reportedly stemmed from disputes over membership cards, voting procedures, and factional rivalries within the party. Several individuals sustained injuries, though exact numbers have not yet been confirmed by officials. Election materials were damaged, and the area was left in disarray as crowds scattered.
Constituency 131, which encompasses wards including 442 (covering areas like Pipeline, Wilkinson Road, and parts of Lumley and Aberdeen) and 443 (focused on Aberdeen proper), is a bustling urban zone in Freetown with a population of around 40,743. Ward 443, in particular, is known for its vibrant community, as highlighted by local figures such as Councilor Ahmed Karim Bangura. This area has seen political activity intensify in recent months, with the APC aiming to rebuild its grassroots structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The APC’s lower-level elections are part of a broader timeline released by the party, including branch, constituency, district, regional, and delegates’ elections, designed to strengthen internal democracy and position the opposition for a comeback against the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). However, this is not the first instance of election-related unrest in the region. Similar violence disrupted SLPP intra-party elections in Constituency 131 last year, leading to cancellations and widespread condemnation.
Authorities, including the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and Sierra Leone Police, have stepped in to restore calm.
The APC National Secretariat has yet to issue an official statement on the disruptions, but sources indicate that the party is monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation.
Residents in Aberdeen and surrounding areas are urged to remain calm as officials work to resolve the matter.
Updates will follow as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation.
