Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a display of cross-party unity, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio signed the official book of condolences for the late Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, the veteran politician and former National Chairman of Sierra Leone’s main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party.
The signing took place at Parliament on the morning of the ceremony, where the presidential couple stood alongside members of the bereaved family and APC officials to pay their respects.
President Bio later shared the moment on social media, stating: “This morning at parliament, Fatima and I officially signed the book of condolence and stood with the bereaved family, and members of the opposition APC to honor the late Hon. Minkailu Mansaray, former Chairman of the APC. Your dedicated service to Sierra Leone will not be forgotten, and your composed approach to politics will be remembered forever.”
A Distinguished Political Career
Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, born in 1951, passed away on June 15, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal, at the age of 75, just days after celebrating his birthday. He had been receiving medical treatment for a prolonged illness. A seasoned businessman with a background in insurance, Mansaray served as a Member of Parliament from 2002 to 2007 before holding key ministerial positions in the APC-led government under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, including Minister of Labour and Employment (2007–2010) and Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources (from 2010 onward). He was later elected deputy leader of the APC and eventually rose to the position of National Chairman.
Widely regarded as a respected statesman and political power broker, Mansaray was known for his long-standing commitment to the APC and contributions to Sierra Leone’s democratic development. His death prompted an outpouring of grief across the political spectrum.
Presidential Condolences and National Mourning
President Bio had earlier expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Mansaray as “a respected statesman and a great politician whose contributions to our nation’s democratic journey will never be forgotten.” On behalf of the government, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), and the people of Sierra Leone, he extended heartfelt condolences to the family and the APC.
The President also received an APC delegation at State House and pledged government support for a dignified state funeral befitting the late chairman’s service to the nation. Funeral rites were scheduled over several days, with the body arriving in Freetown and public ceremonies including a parliamentary laying-in-state.
Mansaray’s passing has highlighted moments of political civility in Sierra Leone, as rivals across party lines came together to honor a figure who dedicated decades to public service. His legacy of resilience, experience in governance, and composed political demeanor is expected to be remembered as the nation mourns one of its senior statesmen.
