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In a press statement released today, the All Peoples Congress (APC) party has raised serious concerns about the ongoing attacks and intimidation faced by its members in the south-eastern region of the country, particularly in the Pujchun district.
The party accuses the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) of orchestrating the violence and calls for immediate international intervention to address the escalating situation.
The statement highlights an incident that occurred on May 7, 2023, during the nomination of APC candidates for Members of Parliament (MPs) by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone. After the nomination, APC candidates and their supporters peacefully dispersed to their respective towns and villages. However, in Foindu Perrie village, Pujehun District, a celebratory gathering organized by APC MP candidate Massah Kpakanya Rogers was violently interrupted by local authorities and community youths.
The situation quickly turned hostile as the youths pelted the house with stones and other projectiles, forcibly entered the premises, and attacked several APC supporters, including Massah Kpakanya Rogers and Alhaji Steven, Oldman Kaikai, Musa Sesay, Mohamed French, and Frederick Fortune. The Deputy APC Chairman for Constituency 100, Mohamed Gbla, was severely beaten, tied up, and is currently detained in Pujchun pending transfer to Bo.
Moreover, the Deputy Section Chief, Pa Mohamed Bakana, in collaboration with Swaray Cooper, Assistant to the Regent Chief of Perrie Chiefdom, banished long-time community residents, including Mr. Robert Alieu, from the area, based on their perceived affiliation with the APC. The Regent Chief of Perrie Chiefdom, who also holds a position in the SLPP, allegedly made inflammatory statements against APC supporters during a meeting organized by the Office of National Security (ONS).
The press statement further claims that the police have arrested APC supporters who were victims of the violence, while the SLPP perpetrators remain unpunished. The APC has reported the incidents to the Inspector General of Police but has not received any satisfactory response.
Expressing concern about the deteriorating democratic situation ahead of the June 24, 2023 General Elections, the APC calls for immediate intervention from the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL), and the international community to address the ongoing intimidation and harassment of its members.
The party warns that it will appropriately respond if the situation continues to escalate and calls for peaceful and fair elections.
The press statement is signed by Lansana Dumbuya, Esq., the National Secretary General of the APC.
The APC urges its supporters to remain calm and abide by the law while the party seeks resolution and protection for its members.
Let Love our beautiful country Mama Salone please please Sierra Leoneans.
These politicians have a lot to tell us, most allegations may be a pretense to wreak havoc on innocent persons for their selfish ends. You must give citizens a breathing site to live. Sierra is for all Sierra Leoneans, and not special Sierra Leoneans.