In a recent development, the National Publicity Secretary of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Sidi Yaya Tunis, has declared the party’s readiness to engage in dialogue mediated by international partners.
Tunis confirmed this commitment in an interview with Politico on Wednesday, revealing that the APC has formally conveyed its willingness to dialogue to the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC).
Furthermore, they have secured the authorization of the party’s National Advisory Committee (NAC) and National Executive Committee to proceed with this crucial process.
Tunis stated emphatically, “So yes, we are ready to engage with those international partners mentioned.” He expressed optimism that the dialogue would yield a consensus acceptable to all stakeholders, paving the way for national progress.
The backdrop to this development lies in the aftermath of the June 24 general elections, which saw the APC unable to participate in governance due to electoral outcomes. In response to this political impasse, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has reached out to international bodies, including the Commonwealth, African Union, and ECOWAS, to mediate and facilitate dialogue between the APC and the government. The willingness of both parties to partake in this dialogue has been confirmed.
Hawa Sally Samai, Executive Secretary of the Peace Commission, provided insight into the efforts to resolve the political deadlock. Speaking at a press briefing in Freetown, Samai explained that the commission had recently conveyed the APC’s concerns to President Julius Maada Bio, underscoring their readiness for dialogue to bridge the gap and serve the nation’s interests. One of the APC’s primary requests was for international organizations, in collaboration with the Peace Commission, to mediate between the party and the government.
President Bio responded positively to this proposal, expressing his willingness for international partners to facilitate the mediation process.
This prompted immediate contact with the Commonwealth, African Union, and ECOWAS to assist in mediating the situation.
Samai highlighted that, prior to the elections, the commission had actively engaged all political parties to ensure a peaceful electoral process, despite tensions between the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the APC.
Following the elections, the APC chose not to participate in governance, citing election irregularities. However, during discussions with the APC, it became clear that their grievances were primarily with the government of Sierra Leone, not the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) or President Bio.
The ICPNC emphasized the importance of maintaining peace messages among both winners and losers, and they have successfully encouraged the SLPP in this regard.
Moreover, they have been engaged in individual discussions with the APC, which have ultimately led to the party’s agreement to participate in the upcoming dialogue for the sake of national harmony and progress.
