SLPP Chairman Batilo Songa Urges Minister to Step In Amid Governance Boycott at Freetown City Council

The National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, has called on the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandi, to collaborate with SLPP councilors to restore functionality to the Freetown City Council.

This appeal stems directly from a broader political boycott initiated by the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party. The boycott, which began in late February, was called by the APC leadership to protest the appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner—a move the party has labelled “a direct assault” on internationally brokered reform agreements.

Following the government’s decision to proceed with the appointment, APC officials, including the Freetown Mayor and other councillors, were directed to withdraw from all governance activities.

However, the resulting political stalemate has begun to paralyze local government operations. Reports indicate that the lack of political approval linked to the boycott has made it difficult for councils like the Freetown City Council to access funding for essential services, including waste management. A recent opinion poll also suggests the public is growing weary of the disruption, with 76% of respondents viewing the boycott negatively.

To address this impasse, Sir Jimmy and the SLPP executive are seeking intervention from the Minister of Works and Public Assets, the Ministry of Local Government, and other relevant government bodies to enable SLPP councilors to carry out their statutory duties.

To ensure sustainable operations, the SLPP chairman proposed several measures, including monthly engagement sessions between SLPP councilors and ministry officials, the establishment of a structured leadership framework within the council, strengthened collaboration with key ministries for resources and technical support, and providing SLPP councilors with the necessary platforms and authority to deliver results.

The SLPP reiterated its commitment to good governance and service delivery in Freetown.