Freetown, Sierra Leone – In an effort to address the escalating political tensions following the disputed 2023 general elections, Dr. Samura Kamara, the leader and presidential candidate of the All Peoples Congress (APC), has extended an olive branch to President Julius Maada Bio by proposing a face-to-face meeting.
The aim of the meeting, which is anticipated to take place soon, is to discuss key national issues, including the implementation of the national unity agreement and the recommendations from the Tripartite Committee on electoral reforms.
Speaking in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Dr. Kamara underscored the urgency of resolving the political unrest that has gripped the nation.
He highlighted the need for steps that would promote national cohesion and stability.
One of the critical topics Dr. Kamara intends to raise during the meeting is the controversy surrounding the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone’s (ECSL) decision to withhold disaggregated data from the 2023 elections. This move has sparked widespread calls for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Another significant issue likely to be on the agenda is the proposed deployment of the ECOWAS standby force in Sierra Leone, a development that has raised eyebrows both locally and internationally.
The prospect of a meeting between Dr. Kamara and President Bio has, however, caused a stir within the APC.
Sidi Yayah Tunis, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, confirmed the planned talks but expressed concerns over the private nature of the meeting. Tunis noted that while the party supports dialogue, it believes that any discussions should be conducted openly and include other senior APC members.
He also disclosed that this would not be the first interaction between Dr. Kamara and President Bio since the contentious elections. Nevertheless, he pointed out that the APC leadership had not been fully briefed on the outcomes of previous meetings, leading to calls within the party for greater transparency in future engagements.
As Sierra Leone continues to navigate the turbulent aftermath of the elections, Dr. Kamara’s initiative for direct dialogue with President Bio is seen as a crucial step toward de-escalating tensions. However, the internal discord within the APC regarding the approach to these talks underscores the complex challenges in fostering national unity and transparency.
The outcome of this anticipated meeting could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political future, particularly in terms of electoral reforms and efforts to achieve broader national reconciliation.
We never trust samura kamara anymore, he is a betrayal 😔