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The All People’s Congress (APC) party in a press release on the 2nd April 2023 raised concerns over the alleged attack on their presidential candidate Dr. Samura Kamara.
The press release stated that the party is highly concerned about the intolerance by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government of President Bio and the increasing use of state institutions, making reference to the police and military, against their party, its leadership, and supporters.
The press release alleged that on Sunday 2nd April 2023, troops of armed police and military personnel blocked the peaceful convoy of their leader and presidential candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara, at Mile 38, some 61.2 kilometers from the capital Freetown.
“Dr. Samura Kamara arrived at the Freetown International Airport last evening and, accompanied by an orderly coterie of peaceful and unarmed supporters, was driving to Freetown when armed police and military personnel stopped the APC presidential candidate, accosted him and his entourage with teargas and live ammunition. We are also very concerned about the arrest of some of our supporters at the scene. Of particular concern is the deliberate firing of teargas canisters under the vehicle carrying our Leader and Presidential Candidate but more so the firing of live rounds in his presence and at the tires of vehicles belonging to his aides”.
The press release continued that as a political party, they believe that the alleged attack was an attempted assassination, which they say could have gone wrong if it were not for the peaceful nature of their leader and his patriotic and mature handling of the unfortunate behavior of the police.
The release further stated that such behavior by some sections of the state security was acted on political orders which they said if continues will constitute a threat to peace and security.
“This is particularly because even though the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) has not announced the dates for political campaigns, the incumbent presidential candidate and his ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) officials are all over the country, openly campaigning without any hindrance. While the APC strongly condemns this assassination attempt on our leader and presidential candidate, we are proud of our Leader’s patriotism and leadership in effectively diffusing such unprovoked animosity and potentially explosive situation”.
“Less than three months to our nation’s presidential and general elections; it is extremely troubling that the ruling party could instigate such attitudes that threaten the peace and stability of our beloved nation. We demand the immediate release of all our supporters arrested at the scene, as well a speedy and conclusive investigation of those involved in the Mile 38 obstruction and disturbances”.
The press release concluded by stating that as a government in waiting, they will highly prioritize and continue to work towards a smooth, orderly, and peaceful transition; adding that there shall be consequences for anyone issuing and implementing unlawful orders.
