By: Abdul Razack Gbla

In a letter dated 2nd August 2024 addressed to the Chairman of the Elders Council of the All Peoples Congress (APC), Hon. Amb. Alimamy Philip Koroma has voiced serious concerns over escalating tensions within the party. The letter highlights the growing discord between the party’s Executive and Dr. Samura M.W. Kamara, the APC Presidential Candidate for the 2023 General Elections.

Koroma expressed his disappointment over the “unhealthy relationship” between the current leadership and the Presidential Candidate, noting that this rift has led to public accusations and counter-accusations, both internally and on social media. This division, he warns, is damaging the party’s image both domestically and internationally.

The root of the conflict appears to have emerged towards the conclusion of the Tripartite Committee’s work in June. Despite initial cooperation during the 2023 elections and subsequent negotiations with the government, which culminated in the Agreement for National Unity, the unity within the party has since deteriorated.

Koroma urged the Elders Council to intervene, citing the need for immediate action to prevent further damage. He referenced Article 25 (e) 1. and ii. of the 2022 APC Constitution, which empowers the Elders Council to mediate in such conflicts. He called for wisdom and decisive action to resolve the matter and prevent any similar issues in the future.

The letter, which was also copied to key party figures including Dr. Samura M.W. Kamara and former leader HE Ernest Bai Koroma, shows the urgency and seriousness of the situation.

The political arena in Sierra Leone is evidently tense and the APC is grappling with these internal conflicts, the call for mediation highlights the critical need for unity and effective leadership to steer the party forward in these challenging times while preparing to go to the poll in 2028 elections to take back the leadership of the country.