Sierra Leone’s President Julius Bio has said that war statements made by Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) politician, Kadiru Kaikai do not represent the values of the party.

The President made this clarification during a National Town Hall meeting held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Bintumani Conference Centre.

A video featuring Kaikai caused a significant stir on social media last week. In the video, Kadiru threatened to incite violence if he is not selected to lead the SLPP in the 2028 elections, declaring that the resulting conflict would be bloodier than previous ones.

“If I am not given the flag bearer position, I will wage war in this country, and it will be worse than the last one,” Kadiru stated in the local Krio language.

Addressing the nation, President Bio stated that Kaikai should not even be referred to by the title “Chief,” emphasizing that his actions and words are contrary to what the SLPP stands for, which is unity and peace as one country, one people.

President Bio highlighted that, having heavily invested in the peace and stability of Sierra Leone, his government will not tolerate such inflammatory statements.

He announced that Kaikai has been suspended from the party, and the disciplinary committee will take further actions against him.

Reassuring the public, President Bio stated that the SLPP will carefully choose its next leader, ensuring that it is someone who will uphold the party’s values and continue to lead it in the right direction, avoiding any potential to lead the party astray.