A delegation of mediators representing the Commonwealth, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), are scheduled to arrive in Freetown on October 8, 2023, to facilitate the mediation dialogue between the Government of Sierra Leone and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC).

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has also announced the crucial dialogue is set to occur from October 16 to 18, 2023.

The Mediation Team, composed of international representatives, will engage in separate consultations with both the Sierra Leone Government and the APC party on October 13 and 14, 2023, laying the groundwork for the primary dialogue.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the All People’s Congress , the ICPNC said; “Each day, starting from October 16 to October 18, 2023, dialogue sessions will commence at 9:00 am, with the venue being the Ballroom of the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown. To ensure effective time management, participants are strongly encouraged to be seated by 8:45 am each day.

“The official commencement of the dialogue is marked by a significant Opening Ceremony on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 9:00 am.

“It’s important to emphasize that only individuals with official invitations will be granted access to the dialogue venue. All concerned parties are kindly requested to promptly confirm their availability and submit the names of their negotiation team members.”, the letter said.

This mediation dialogue bears significant importance in the ongoing political discussions within Sierra Leone, and its outcomes are eagerly awaited by Sierra Leoneans.