Major Retired Alfred Palo Conteh has raised critical concerns about the Sierra Leone’s opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) current state of affairs and called for democratic reforms.

Speaking out against the backdrop of challenges faced by the APC following the recent party convention in Makeni, Conteh emphasized the paramount importance of upholding democratic principles and procedures within the party.

He underscored the necessity of transparency and fairness in the election process to restore the APC’s position as a leading political force in Sierra Leone.

“The APC must embody true democracy and distinguish itself from the ruling party by adhering to democratic norms and values,” Conteh asserted.

He highlighted the need for internal reforms to address key challenges and pave the way for the party’s full operations as well as a formidable political force that is ready for leadership in the country.

He emphasized that genuine democracy within the APC would lay the foundation for the much-needed unity among members, leading to a stronger collective voice and purpose and condemned the culture of character assassination and other odds within the party. He cautioned against the spread of baseless rumors, such as claims of senior party officials meeting with the President under dubious circumstances, which only serve to sow mistrust among members.

“We must put an end to this divisive behavior. Such actions run counter to the principles upheld by  the so-called Big Six, which I was part of,” he said.

He stressed the importance of internal cohesion and solidarity within the APC, highlighting the detrimental effects of intra-party conflicts and divisions on the party’s electoral prospects. He implored members to prioritize party unity above individual ambitions, cautioning against the destructive practice of accusing each other of affiliations with rival political figures.

“In the army, after every operation, we conduct debriefings to assess our performance, identify areas for improvement, and learn from our experiences. The same approach should be applied in politics,” he maintained.

He called for a concerted effort to address internal challenges and foster a more cohesive and constructive party environment as well as urged APC members to set aside personal differences and work towards a common goal of returning the party to governance. He emphasized the significance of collective action and unity of purpose in overcoming obstacles and building a stronger, more resilient political entity.