The All Peoples’ Congress (APC) has expressed deep concern over statements reportedly made by Mr. Jimmy Batilo Songa, the newly elected Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), during his public acceptance ceremony. Mr. Songa was recorded calling upon “the President, the Army, Soldiers, and Marshals to stop the APC in 2028.”
In a press release, the APC described the remarks as a troubling call for the involvement of state security forces in partisan politics, warning that such action directly contradicts the Constitution of Sierra Leone, which mandates that institutions like the military and police remain professional, impartial, and loyal only to the State and its citizens, not to any political party.
The party said the statement represents a serious affront to democratic principles and a reckless attempt to normalize the politicization of state institutions. “If the intent of such a call is to prevent the APC from winning a future democratic election, then it amounts to nothing less than a call to undermine the sovereign will of the people,” the release read.
The APC condemned any attempt, whether implied or explicit, to mobilize the military, police, or any arm of the security forces for political purposes, stressing that Sierra Leone’s peace and stability were earned through national sacrifice.
Key Concerns Highlighted by the APC:
The remarks undermine the neutrality and constitutional mandate of the security services.
They erode public confidence in the integrity of elections and democratic governance.
They signal a worrying mindset that could invite misuse of state power against legitimate political competition.
The APC urged immediate measures to safeguard democracy in Sierra Leone:
- A public reassurance from the President that all state institutions, especially the security services, will remain neutral and will not be used for political suppression.
- A formal repudiation by SLPP leadership of the remarks, demonstrating commitment to democracy, peace, and the rule of law.
- Continued vigilance by regional and international partners, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the European Union, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations, regarding the evolving political climate.
The APC reaffirmed its commitment to peace, national stability, and the democratic process, calling on members, supporters, and all peace-loving Sierra Leoneans to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute.
“The destiny of Sierra Leone must be determined only by the free and fair choices of its people through the ballot box and by no other means,” the party stated.
The release concluded with a rallying cry: “Long live the APC. May God bless the Republic of Sierra Leone.”
