In a recent development, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has confirmed its involvement in ensuring security at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) held on Friday, March 8th, 2024.
The meeting, convened at the NGC Party Headquarters on 14 Naimbana Street, Freetown, was anticipated to address critical issues within the party.
According to a statement issued by the SLP, they received a request from the National Secretary General of the NGC expressing concerns about potential disruptions and violence during the meeting.
The letter emphasized the gravity of the issues to be discussed and highlighted the risk of division among party members.
Responding to the request, the SLP approved security coverage for the meeting and ensured their presence at the venue. However, as discussions progressed, tensions flared, resulting in physical and verbal altercations among attendees. The situation escalated to disorderliness and riotous behavior, prompting police intervention to restore peace and disperse the opposing factions.
Fortunately, no arrests were made during the incident.
The SLP, represented by the Media and Public Relations Department, reassured the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and order during such gatherings.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a founding member of the NGC, Mohamed Koroma, issued a warning against withdrawing from the alliance. The warning was delivered through a legal representative, stating that the NEC meeting convened by Acting Chairman Jesmed M. Suma was unconstitutional.
The meeting was reportedly intended to confirm the NGC’s withdrawal from its alliance with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). This comes after a disagreement within the NGC regarding the continuation of the alliance.
Koroma warned that only the National Delegate Conference (NDC) could make decisions of this kind.
