Tensions have escalated within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Tonkolili District, as outgoing District Chairman Ahmed Saybom Kanu faces serious allegations of inciting violence and making threats amid the party’s lower-level elections.
The internal party disputes in Mile 91 have sparked outrage, with accusations that Kanu orchestrated acts of rebellion, including arson and intimidation against his rivals.The situation took a dramatic turn when a house, reportedly belonging to former Yoni Mamaila Regent Chief Yusif Barrie (alias Atatie), was set ablaze.
A viral video circulating on social media captures the scene, with voices accusing Kanu of deploying his supporters to carry out the act. While the video’s authenticity has not been officially verified, eyewitnesses claim the destruction has left residents in fear, with properties worth millions reduced to ashes.
In addition to the alleged arson, Kanu has been accused of making direct threats against political opponents and SLPP members who support his rival, Mohamed Orman Bangura. Sources within the party allege that he used intimidation tactics to silence dissent and maintain influence over the election process.
These accusations, if substantiated, raise serious concerns about internal democracy and governance within the SLPP.Amid the rising tensions, the SLPP district leadership has decided to postpone the elections indefinitely. District Secretary General Robert Salia Kamara acknowledged the violence but refrained from naming any suspects.
Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Police in Mile 91 have yet to make an official statement, further fueling public anxiety over the security situation.Community members have condemned the violence, calling for law enforcement to step in and restore order.
“We cannot allow political power struggles to turn into lawlessness,” a concerned resident remarked. Critics warn that if left unchecked, the crisis could damage the SLPP’s reputation and deepen divisions within the party.
With allegations of rebellion and coercion against Kanu, the unfolding crisis underscores the urgent need for accountability and stability within the SLPP as it navigates its internal elections.
