The All People’s Congress (APC) has been a dominant force in Sierra Leonean politics for over six decades. From its inception in 1960 to its recent struggles, the party has had its fair share of triumphs and tribulations. But as the political landscape evolves, one can’t help but wonder if the APC’s time has passed. Is it time for Sierra Leone to bid farewell to this once mighty political giant?

The APC was born out of a desire for change. Founded by a group of determined individuals, including Siaka Stevens, the party quickly rose to prominence as a voice for the marginalized and the disillusioned. Sierra Leone was on the brink of independence, and the APC promised to steer the newly formed nation towards a prosperous and united future.

For a while, they did just that. Siaka Stevens, who became the party’s most iconic leader, led Sierra Leone through its formative years as an independent nation. His rule, however, soon took a darker turn. By the mid-1970s, Stevens had consolidated power, transforming Sierra Leone into a one-party state with the APC as the sole political force. This era, often referred to as the “Stevens Dictatorship,” was marked by political repression, widespread corruption, and the erosion of democratic principles.

Yet, despite these issues, the APC remained deeply entrenched in Sierra Leonean society. The party’s influence extended into every corner of the nation, from the bustling streets of Freetown to the remote villages of the provinces. “The APC was not just a political party; it was a way of life for many Sierra Leoneans,” said a member of the APC.

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However, as the years passed, the APC’s grip on power began to loosen. Siaka Stevens handed over the reins to Joseph Saidu Momoh in 1985, but the transition did little to improve the party’s image. Momoh’s presidency was marred by economic decline, social unrest, and increasing dissatisfaction among the populace. The APC’s mismanagement of the economy and failure to address the needs of ordinary Sierra Leoneans set the stage for the brutal civil war that soon engulfed the country.

The civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002, was a devastating conflict that left Sierra Leone in ruins. While the APC was not solely responsible for the war, its policies and actions were antecedents to the outbreak of the conflict. By the time the war ended, the APC’s reputation was in tatters, and the party was forced into the political wilderness as Sierra Leone began the arduous task of rebuilding.

In the years following the civil war, the APC sought to redeem itself in the eyes of the Sierra Leonean people. The party returned to power in 2007 under the leadership of Ernest Bai Koroma, who promised to lead Sierra Leone into a new era of peace, stability, and economic growth. Koroma’s presidency saw some notable achievements, particularly in infrastructure development and healthcare, but it was also plagued by the same issues that had dogged the APC for decades: corruption, nepotism, and disconnection from the needs of ordinary citizens.

As Koroma’s second term came to an end in 2018, the APC once again found itself facing a crisis of relevance. The party’s defeat in the 2018 presidential election to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) was a clear indication that the people of Sierra Leone were ready for change. Yet, rather than taking this as a cue to reflect and reform, the APC has continued to cling to the same old tactics
The party’s inability to evolve, to offer fresh solutions to the nation’s problems, and to connect with the younger generation, APC critics argue that it is a sign that it may be time for the APC to step aside that have defined its existence for so long.

However, Sierra Leone today is a different country from the one the APC first governed. The people are more politically aware, more connected to the world, and more demanding of their leaders. The country’s youthful population, in particular, is eager for new ideas, new faces, and new ways of doing things. “We are tired of the same old politics, the same old faces, and the same old promises that never seem to materialize,” a concerned citizen opined.

In this new democratic dispensation in Sierra Leone, the APC, if it did not recalibrate itself as the political force ready to take up governance, it risks becoming a relic of its glorious past. The party’s inability to evolve, to offer fresh solutions to the nation’s problems, and to connect with the younger generation, APC critics argue that it is a sign that it may be time for the APC to step aside.

Sierra Leone needs a political landscape that reflects the diversity and dynamism of its people.

Furthermore, the question now is not about the future of Sierra Leone about the APC’s future, the country to move forward, it needs political parties that are capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century. It needs leaders who are committed to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of all Sierra Leoneans. Unfortunately, critics say the APC has shown time and again that it is not up to this task.

This is not to say that the APC has not contributed to the nation’s history or that it has no role to play in the future. But the time has come for the party to undergo a fundamental transformation if it is to remain relevant. This transformation cannot be superficial; it must involve a complete overhaul of the party’s leadership, its policies, and its approach to governance.

For too long, the APC has relied on its past glories and its deep- rooted networks to maintain its hold on power. But as Sierra Leone looks to the future, it is clear that these things are no longer enough. The APC must either adapt to the new realities of Sierra Leonean politics or risk becoming obsolete. As we stand at the crossroads of Sierra Leone’s political future, it is crucial to recognize that change is inevitable. The APC has played its part in shaping the nation, but it is time for Sierra Leone to look beyond the past and embrace a future that is inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking.

The party that once stood as a symbol of hope and progress has over the years, become a symbol of stagnation and missed opportunities. Sierra Leone deserves better. It is time for the A to bygone, to step aside gracefully all grievances and allow n members that are ready to move the party to emerge. These members must be rooted in the values of democracy, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the welfare o Sierra Leoneans.

As the nation moves forward, it is essential to remember that the strength of a democracy lies in its ability to evolve. The APC has had some time, but now it is time for Sierra Leone to forge a new path, if APC is to remain reluctant to letting bygone be bygone; one that honors the past but is not beholden to it; one that looks to the future with optimism and determination, then let it rather prepare to die and fade out of the country’s political space.

The legacy of the APC will always be a part of Sierra Leone’s history, it is time for the party to step up and allow the nation to grow beyond its shadow. In doing so, Sierra Leone can finally realize the potential that has been held back for too long. The future waits, and it is time to embrace peace.

The importance of peace within the All People’s Congress party can no longer be overemphasized. It is time that the party moved on and braced up properly as they are the potential change Sierra Leoneans are likely to tonsider, come 2028.