Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a poignant display of bipartisanship, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has urged citizens to prioritize national unity and tolerance, emphasizing shared bonds that transcend political affiliations amid the recent passing of prominent opposition figure Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray.
Mansaray, the National Chairman of the All People’s Congress (APC) and a former Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources under President Ernest Bai Koroma, died on June 15, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal, at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness. His death prompted widespread condolences, including from the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
Speaking after paying his respects at the mourning events, Sengeh described the late chairman as “a truly wonderful man” whose contributions to public service and national development would be remembered. He stressed that policy disagreements should not fracture the social fabric of the nation.
“Don’t get embroiled in our differences because there’s more that unites us,” Sengeh said. He highlighted enduring personal and family ties across party lines, including inter-party marriages and collaborative work within government institutions.
As he departed the venue, Sengeh was greeted by APC supporters chanting “Radical Inclusion” and “#WeWillDeliver.” He interpreted these not as partisan slogans but as a collective national commitment to progress.
“That wasn’t a political statement. It was a commitment that together, we must work to make life better for all, irrespective of their background,” he stated.
Radical Inclusion and Development Agenda
“Radical Inclusion” refers to a flagship policy pioneered by Sengeh during his tenure as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. Launched in 2021, it aims to ensure equitable access to quality education for marginalized groups, including pregnant girls and parent learners, children with disabilities, those from low-income families, and students in rural or underserved areas. Sengeh, an MIT-educated innovator and author of the book Radical Inclusion, has positioned the policy as a cornerstone of broader national development.
Sengeh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the national development plan under President Julius Maada Bio. Key priorities include infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and schools, alongside economic reforms designed to benefit all Sierra Leoneans regardless of political leaning.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a sensitive time in Sierra Leonean politics, where the SLPP and APC have historically engaged in robust competition. Observers view his message as a timely call for calm and collaboration, especially following funeral rites for Mansaray held in late June 2026, which included processions in Port Loko and Freetown.
Political analysts note that such gestures of cross-party respect could help ease tensions and foster a more constructive environment for addressing pressing challenges like economic recovery, youth employment, and post-conflict reconciliation in the country.
Sengeh, who also serves as Chief Innovation Officer, continues to advocate for technology-driven solutions and inclusive governance as pillars of Sierra Leone’s future.
