Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC) has expressed profound disappointment and anger regarding what they perceive as the unjust persecution of their former Chairman and Leader, His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma.
The party made this stance in a press release dated January 11, 2024, signed by Lansana Dumbuya Esq, National Secretary General of the party.
According to APC, they stand firmly behind the former president, highlighting his exemplary service during his two-term democratically elected presidency.
The APC condemns the accusations of political vendetta and involvement in a coup d’état, emphasizing Koroma’s dedication to promoting peace, democratic governance, and smooth transitions across Africa since leaving power in 2018.
The party decries the charges as a dangerous precedent and a credible threat to Sierra Leone’s peace and stability.
Addressing the political climate, the APC denounces what they view as a sustained political witch-hunt, intimidation, and harassment, echoing promises made by the current president during the campaign.
The press release expresses concern about the pattern of arrests and detentions of their supporters at various levels since 2018, condemning the alleged democratic backsliding and imposition of a one-party political hegemony.
The APC calls for a retraction from what they perceive as a dangerous and unproductive path taken by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), urging concrete strides towards peace rather than political divide.
The release emphasizes the responsibility to work together for the unity of the country.
Amidst these challenges, the APC asserts its confidence in former President Koroma’s innocence and announces plans to convene to discuss their next course of action, promising to communicate these steps to the public.
