Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a major step toward easing political tensions, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has successfully brokered a crucial peace agreement between the country’s two dominant political parties, the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
The accord, finalized during a high-level meeting in Freetown on Tuesday, binds both parties to immediately halt the use of provocative and incendiary language by their members across traditional and social media platforms.
The intervention came amid rising public concern over a surge in divisive and inflammatory rhetoric that has threatened to inflame political hostilities and destabilize the nation’s fragile peace.
PPRC Chairman, Emmanuel Koivaya Amara Esq., who presided over the session, described the development as a timely and necessary step to safeguard national unity and preserve democratic order.
“We are deeply concerned about the growing trend of political intolerance and the use of inciting statements that could plunge our country into chaos,” Chairman Amara said. “As a regulatory institution mandated by law, the PPRC cannot stand by while such conduct undermines the peace, security, and democracy of Sierra Leone.”
Amara reminded both political parties that such behavior constitutes a direct breach of Section 39(1)(d) of the Political Parties Act of 2022, which strictly prohibits actions or utterances that promote hatred, violence, or discrimination.
He emphasized that political leaders must set an example by fostering tolerance and responsible discourse, especially in a volatile post-election climate.
Representatives from both the APC and SLPP reportedly admitted that some of their members had engaged in inappropriate conduct that fueled divisions.
In a rare moment of bipartisan understanding, the two parties jointly pledged to rein in their members and to commit to dialogue, respect, and restraint in their public communications moving forward.
The meeting concluded with the formal signing of a peace and compliance agreement, witnessed by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and senior officials from the PPRC.
The accord obliges both parties to monitor and discipline their supporters and communicators who violate its terms.
Political analysts have lauded the move as a positive step toward rebuilding trust and reducing political polarization in Sierra Leone.
Civil society organizations have also urged the PPRC to ensure strict enforcement of the agreement to prevent a recurrence of inflammatory political discourse.
The PPRC has announced that it will continue engaging political actors, the media, and youth groups across the country to promote responsible speech, national cohesion, and sustainable peace as Sierra Leone prepares for future electoral activities.
