Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio is absent from the ongoing post-election dialogue in Freetown and has appointed the Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh to lead the government’s team. 

The much-anticipated three-day crucial dialogue between the Government of Sierra Leone and its opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC) is currently ongoing at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.

Representatives of the APC include its leader and 2023 Presidential candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara, and other officials of the party.

On the part of the government, the President and leader of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is visibly absent. He is represented by the Chief Minister and other members of the cabinet.

It’s worth noting that the APC previously rejected the June 24 election results, citing significant irregularities and breaches of electoral procedures. As a result, they opted out of participating in governance across various tiers, including the legislature and local councils.

Supporters of the APC are now eagerly awaiting a potential re-run of the June 24 elections. On the other hand, supporters of the incumbent government are confident that there won’t be another election, asserting that the results announced by the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) will stand. They emphasize that the ECSL is an autonomous entity responsible for finalizing election outcomes.

The dialogue comes at the behest of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) of Sierra Leone. The mediation team, spearheaded by the former Vice President of The Gambia, Her Excellency Aja Fatoumata C.M Jallow-Tambajang, is complemented by technical experts from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Commonwealth.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.