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Sierra Leone’s opposition leader, Dr. Samura Kamara, has dismissed President Julius Maada Bio’s recent election as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), calling it a mere “routine rotation” rather than an endorsement of his leadership.
In a nationwide address on Friday, Kamara, the 2023 presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), stated that the regional appointment does not legitimize Bio’s disputed presidency.
“Recent developments surrounding ECOWAS are a routine rotation, not an endorsement, and certainly not a substitute for justice,” Kamara declared.
Dr. Kamara has been at loggerheads with President Bio since the 2023 polls, which the opposition party and international observers deemed to be marred by irregularities.
During his address, Kamara reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing electoral justice, calling the struggle “alive, real, and ongoing.” He insisted that the fight is not about personal ambition but about upholding democratic principles for future generations.
He likened the current struggle to the nation’s fight for independence, stating, “June 24, 2023, is not a date to be remembered for the good of our country, but the fight to correct the wrongs emanating from that date is historic and second only to the struggle for independence anywhere in the colonized world.”
Dr. Kamara also used the address to assure supporters that international partners are well aware of the facts surrounding the disputed election. He expressed confidence that global allies “continue to press quietly but firmly for accountability and democratic legitimacy.”
Despite a report from a Tripartite Committee recommending electoral reforms, Dr. Kamara has maintained his demand for a re-election, citing “divergent areas” in the report where the committee failed to propose solutions for the disputed election results. The APC’s own processed results indicated that Dr. Kamara received 57.15% of the vote, compared to President Bio’s 39.40%.
Dr. Kamara emphasized that the APC’s chosen path is one of peace and conviction, not violence. “Our path is not one of violence, excitement, or chaos. It is one of conviction, courage, and commitment to our rights as a people and to the rule of law,” he stated.
He concluded his address by urging unity and resilience among his supporters, painting a hopeful picture of a future Sierra Leone where elections are a “sacred trust” and justice prevails.
Samura is a lunatic spell that needs a traditional healer to cure his madness.
Samurai Kamara is a real joker! Calling the the election of president Bio as the current ecowas chairman as mere routine but doesn’t qualify or legitimize his election victory in 2023 .wow ! How would an illegitimate president who come to powerful through by force can become chairman of ecowas. Samura Kamara this is a real madness. Considering the aims and objectives of ecowas which among them is to strengthen democracy, human and governance .madness Apc
But Ernest Koroma nor ever get
I have never seen an economist this much stupid and irrational in his thinking as Samura. You are crying for re- election while Bio is already completing his tenure as president. Your focus should be on how your party will accept as their next flag bearer instead of focusing on past elections. The logic is not working for him because APC has no place for him in the party. They have removed him as their leader.
He could make all these insinuations, but when invited to account for his words, then he will start to call on international community for intervention.
Again, Bio was not endorsed for his role ,just a routine, but however, has another responsibility in the UN security council which could not be described by Wilson Kamara
Will Samurai ever has such opportunities in his life time to lead Sierra Leone?
ECOWAS chairmanship lectures – 101 – for those who belief what Samura is saying that it is just a mere routine rotation – There are Strick criteria to be meet prior to the selection
The ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) chairmanship is not a fixed routine rotation, but neither is it purely based on an open competitive vote like a general election. It follows a more consensual and diplomatic process, with some underlying informal rotation principles and political considerations.
Key Facts About ECOWAS Chairmanship Selection:
1. Selection Process:
2. Rotational Nature:
3. Criteria (Formal & Informal):
There is no rigid, published set of criteria, but typically the following are considered:
Criteria Details
The country must be relatively stable, no major internal conflict or political crisis.
Democratic Governance
Preference is given to leaders from countries that have undergone credible elections.
Commitment to ECOWAS Goals
The leader should have shown engagement with ECOWAS policies and regional cooperation.
Experience and Leadership
Seniority and statesmanship sometimes play a role; well-regarded regional leaders are often chosen.
Balance and Fairness
Regional, linguistic, and geopolitical balance across previous chairs.
Term Duration:
Summary:
The ECOWAS chairmanship is decided by consensus and guided by diplomatic norms rather than strict rules. It tends to rotate informally among member states with attention to stability, regional balance, and leadership reputation, rather than by formal election or a rigid rotation system