Jesmed Suma, the Acting Chairman of the National Grand Coalition (NGC), one of Sierra Leone’s opposition parties, expressed that they are contemplating legal measures against the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) due to an alleged violation of their alliance agreement.

During a recent conversation on AYV, Suma voiced concerns regarding the stability of the alliance with the ruling SLPP, citing unmet expectations regarding appointments, as initially agreed upon.

History recalls that in the lead up to the 2023 general elections, both parties embarked on forming a “progressive alliance.” This alliance was formalized in a ceremony on April 23, 2023, with the agreement document endorsed by Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, the NGC leader, and President Maada Bio of the SLPP.

The core intention behind this alliance was to establish a unified government, granting ministerial and other key roles to NGC members, provided President Bio secured the presidential election victory. In alignment with this agreement, the NGC refrained from introducing a presidential candidate for the 2023 elections and also abstained from contesting in parliamentary and local council seats within SLPP strongholds.

President Bio, in his statement, emphasized that the core of this alliance was to foster peace, stability, and holistic growth for Sierra Leone.

However, following the SLPP’s win in the 2023 Presidential election, only NGC leader Kandeh Yumkella has been granted a government post.

Reflecting on these developments, Suma mentioned considering legal action against the signatories of the agreement. However, any decision in this direction would require the endorsement of the NGC’s National Executive Committee.