Press Release
For Immediate Release
2nd April, 2023
Attempted Police Assassination Of APC Leader & Presidential Candidate
The All People’s Congress (APC) is highly concerned about the heightened intolerance by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government of President Julius Maada Bio and its increasing use of state institutions, particularly the police and military, against our party, its leadership and supporters. Today, Sunday 2nd April 2023, troops of armed police and military personnel blocked the peaceful convoy of our leader and presidential candidate, Dr Samura Kamara, at Mile 38, some 61.2 kilometers from the capital Freetown.
Dr Samura Kamara arrived at the Freetown International Airport last evening and, accompanied by an orderly coterie of peaceful and unarmed supporters, was driving to Freetown when armed police and military personnel stopped the APC presidential candidate, accosted him and his entourage with teargas and live ammunition. We are also very concerned about the arrest of some of our supporters at the scene. Of particular concern is the deliberate firing of teargas canisters under the vehicle carrying our Leader and Presidential Candidate but more so the firing of live rounds in his presence and at the tyres of vehicles belonging to his aides.
The APC believes that this was an assassination attempt, which could have gone terribly wrong if it were not for the peaceful nature of our leader and his patriotic and mature handling of the unfortunate and irresponsible behaviour of the police. Such reckless behaviour by some sections of the state security, acting on political orders, constitute a threat to peace and security. This is particularly in view of the fact that even though the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) has not announced the dates for political campaigns, the incumbent presidential candidate and his ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) officials are all over the country, openly campaigning without any hindrance. While the APC strongly condemns this assassination attempt on our leader and presidential candidate, we are proud of our Leader’s patriotism and leadership in effectively diffusing such unprovoked animosity and potentially explosive situation.
Less than three months to our nation’s presidential and general elections; it is extremely troubling that the ruling party could instigate such attitudes that clearly threaten the peace and stability of our beloved nation. We demand the immediate release of all our supporters arrested at the scene, as well a speedy and conclusive investigation of those involved in the Mile 38 obstruction and disturbances.
As a government in waiting, while the APC highly prioritize and will continue to work towards a smooth, orderly and peaceful transition; we would also emphasize that there shall be consequences for anyone issuing and implementing unlawful orders.
