Post a comment 
Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, National Chairman of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), has died in Dakar, Senegal, his family announced Monday. He was 75.
Mansaray passed away on June 15, 2026, after a period of illness. He had celebrated his 75th birthday on June 12.
The family released an obituary confirming his death and calling for prayers. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Throughout his decades-long career, Mansaray served in numerous high-ranking capacities, bridging generations of politicians. His public service record includes tenures as a Member of Parliament, Minister of Labour and Employment, and Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources. Within the APC, he rose from the National Youth League to eventually serve as Deputy Chairman and National Chairman.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mabinty Mansaray, alongside several children and relatives.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the APC Leader in Parliament, confirmed from Dakar that Mansaray’s remains have been moved to a mortuary while arrangements are finalized to transport his body back to Sierra Leone for a dignified burial. Kargbo expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leonean government for its assistance during the process.
While official funeral arrangements are pending, the family has announced that sympathizers may gather at the family residence.
The veteran politician’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum, with political opponents and allies alike acknowledging his intellect, calm demeanor, and dedication to democratic governance.
President Julius Maada Bio led tributes, describing Mansaray as a respected statesman whose contributions to Sierra Leone’s democracy would never be forgotten.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of the National Chairman of the All People’s Congress,” Bio said. “Sierra Leone has lost a respected statesman and a great politician.”
Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, Former APC Cabinet Minister highlighted Mansaray’s role as a mentor and intellectual leader within the party:
“Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray was the smartest of all the APC Cabinet Ministers that I sat in Cabinet with. He was a highly intelligent, quintessential politician who truly understood governance and politics.”
Chief Samuel Sam-Sumana, former Vice President mourned the loss of a dedicated colleague: “He was a leader who stood firm for his beliefs and worked tirelessly for the people of Sierra Leone.”
APC Presidential Aspirants, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura praised Mansaray as a “source of counsel, stability, and institutional memory,” while Sheikh Alhaji Mohamed Omodu Kamara mourned the loss of a “steadfast party stalwart and a committed servant.”
