Commonwealth Delegation Engages Former President Koroma in Closed-Door Meeting

A high-level delegation, led by Dr. Michelle Scobie, Head of the Commonwealth Good Offices Section within the Governance and Peace Directorate, paid a courtesy visit to former President Ernest Bai Koroma at his Makeni residence over the weekend.

The visit, held behind closed doors, was aimed at addressing the ongoing electoral dispute in Sierra Leone, which has drawn increasing international attention.

Former President Koroma graciously welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism that their mediation efforts would ultimately serve the best interests of the Sierra Leonean people.

At the heart of the dispute lies the rejection of election results by the All People’s Congress (APC) Party, leading to their refusal to participate in the governance of Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. This political impasse has resulted in some APC Members of Parliament and Councillors boycotting their seats in both the national Parliament and local councils.

The visit by the Commonwealth delegation, organized in collaboration with the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), signals a significant step towards constructive dialogue. The ICPNC is set to play a vital role as co-arbiters alongside international arbitrators, facilitating discussions between the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the APC.

ithin the Governance and Peace Directorate, paid a courtesy visit to former President Ernest Bai Koroma at his Makeni residence over the weekend.

The visit, held behind closed doors, was aimed at addressing the ongoing electoral dispute in Sierra Leone, which has drawn increasing international attention.

Former President Koroma graciously welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism that their mediation efforts would ultimately serve the best interests of the Sierra Leonean people.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

Charlie | 2023-09-18 23:54:38

Most of the trouble were from apc areas and also violence and lawlessness, unfortunately were also from the opposition! Where as I witnessed In Grafton and around Brookfield. In the north while going to Kono , SLPP had significant support where I participated with them for a short while and peacefully . Data were released on a gradual basis but the opposition wanted to win by any hook or force, but they were not prepared for the 2023 elections. The opposition failed to give there members relevant information and to adhere to the rule of law .
| 2023-09-14 20:01:20

The thing is simple and straight forward, ECSL konneh SLPP must release the results by polling stations if APC loose the election the general public and the international community will see
Job | 2023-09-13 22:08:06

For citizens voice to be heard give us the results by polling station. So that the people's voice to be heard, seen and proven by doubters. For crying out loud! IS THAT TOO MUCH?
| 2023-09-13 19:35:41

The thing is very simple. Let try to work to what will lead to the peace of both political party. Let release the result to clear the doubt of the opposition. Very simple. It's not a big deal.
BALLA BOCKARIE MARAH | 2023-09-13 16:52:01

We all understand how it feels to lose an election. But for the betterment of this country we are appealing to the APC to participate in governance if not for the incumbent president but for our beloved nation and the citizens voice to be heard
Lawal | 2023-09-13 15:39:51

Well Well Well! we can now know who the trouble makers are. Peace delegates will never first visit those who are at peace. They first visit the trouble makers to hear their grievances before visiting the peaceful ones to ask how much they are willing to accommodate from the trouble makers. Let the wise ones speak.