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The Political Parties Regulations Commission (PPRC) and the National Security Coordinator’s Office of National Security (ONS) held a meeting with a cross-section of the leadership of the All Peoples’ Congress (APC) party on Monday, May 8, 2023, to discuss concerns of uneven treatment of APC supporters by security forces during the nomination of the APC Presidential candidate.
The meeting was held following concerns raised by the APC party through the PPRC after a standoff between supporters of the APC and security forces on May 1, 2023.
Present at the meeting were the PPRC Chairman, Abdulai Masiaday Bangura Esq., National Security Coordinator, Office of National Security, Abdulai Caulker, Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, Madam Yvonne Aki-Sawyer (former Mayor, FCC), National Secretary General, APC, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., National Organizing Secretary (APC), Bia Mamoud Bangura, Publicity Secretary (APC), Sidie Yayah Tunis, PPRC, and ONS staff.
The PPRC Chairman expressed that the objective of the meeting was to objectively discuss the concerns raised by the leadership of the APC and to strengthen collaboration and cooperation between the APC and the Security Sector.
The National Secretary General, APC confirmed that on the day of the APC Presidential candidate’s nomination, there was a brief standoff between supporters of the APC and security forces along the national Library Board vicinity leading to the ECSL office.
Former Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr narrated an ordeal her driver allegedly suffered from in the hands of security forces and requested that the police return her laptop, which was allegedly confiscated in the process.
The IGP pledged to look into the concerns raised and assured that they will be treated as management information.
The National Security Coordinator, Office of National Security encouraged all to follow due process and respect non-violence and peace communiques.
The Security Sector will be shortly holding a meeting with all registered political parties on non-violence before the commencement of campaigns.
The PPRC Chairman emphasized that their concerns are towards the stability of political parties, and the Security Sector pledged its commitment to providing a level playing field for all to function without fear of favour.
