Samura Kamara Sounds Alarm Over Military And Police Visits to APC Party Members’ Homes

Samura Kamara, leader of Sierra Leone’s opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate has expressed deep concern over recent visits by armed security forces to the homes of key party figures.

Kamara called the visits, which he described as “unwarranted” and lacking “clear legal mandates,” a worrying development at a time when Sierra Leone seeks to restore normalcy. He highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and due process, particularly during ongoing cross-party dialogue efforts.

The statement comes after reported visits on Monday to the residences of Hon. Kemoh Sesay and Rtd Major Alfred Palo Conteh. Kamara condemned these actions as a direct violation of privacy and a dangerous precedent for using state power to intimidate political opponents.

He urged local authorities to follow legal protocols and ensure proper judicial oversight for any searches or investigations. Kamara also appealed to international observers and human rights organizations to monitor the situation and pressure the government to uphold democratic values.

“In the spirit of transparency, accountability, and safeguarding our democratic values, we must all stand together against any form of undue harassment and intimidation of political stakeholders,” Kamara said.

His full statement reads below:

I want to express deep concern and to draw the urgent attention of both local and international communities to an alarming development in our political landscape, especially at a time the people of Sierra Leone are CLAMOURING for a speedy restoration of NORMALCY.

Over the recent days, we have observed a disquieting pattern of heavily armed military and police personnel making UNWARRANTED visits to the residences of key stakeholders associated with the APC party. These actions, seemingly conducted under the guise of search missions, lack clear legal mandates and raise serious questions about the respect for rule of law and due process, and more so, for keeping within the spirit of the ongoing internationally mediated and supported cross-party dialogue process.

The first of such incidents occurred on Monday at the residence of Hon. Kemoh Sesay, followed by a similar unwarranted intrusion at the home of Rtd Major Alfred Pallo Conteh. These actions not only constitute a direct affront to the privacy and safety of the individuals CONCERNED but also set a dangerous precedent for the use of state power TO INTIMIDATE political figures and STIFLE positive dissent.

It is imperative that we collectively voice our concerns and call for immediate cessation of these unjust actions. We urge local authorities to adhere to legal protocols and ensure that any search or investigation is carried out with proper judicial oversight.

Furthermore, we appeal to international bodies and human rights organizations to monitor these developments closely and pressure government authorities to uphold democratic principles and human rights.

In the spirit of transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of OUR democratic values, we must all stand in solidarity against any form of undue harassment and intimidation of political stakeholders.

The path to a just and equitable society lies in the respect for the rule of law, due process, and the protection of all citizens’ rights, irrespective of their political affiliations.