Former All People’s Congress (APC) Minister, Dr. Richard Konteh has questioned the implementation of the APC-SLPP Agreement of National Unity, alleging that many of the clauses in the agreement have not been met.

Konteh, a former APC flag bearer aspirant, took to Twitter to express his concerns, writing: “Who is fooling who? Scheduled meeting Postponed – new UNRC cannot present credentials to the President. Resolution 2 not implemented in good faith.- no political prisoner; no political cases set aside; no salaries paid; some councilors not sworn in. Come clean. Sad.”

The APC had previously rejected the results of the June 24, 2023, presidential and parliamentary elections, citing significant irregularities and breaches of electoral procedures. As a result, they opted out of participating in governance across various tiers, including the legislature and local councils.

In an attempt to foster unity and stability, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party signed the “Agreement of National Unity” on October 18, 2023, following a three-day mediated dialogue facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC).

The dialogue was facilitated by the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Commonwealth, following the request of Sierra Leone’s Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC).

The agreement was intended to address the concerns of the APC and ensure their participation in governance. However, Konteh’s comments suggest that the agreement is not being implemented in good faith.

“What happened to the Agreement of National Unity? Why are APC members being denied their salaries and credentials? Why have political cases not been set aside? Why have some councilors not been sworn in?” Konteh asked.

Konteh’s questions raise concerns about the commitment of the GoSL and the APC to the agreement. If these issues are not addressed, it could undermine the fragile peace and stability in Sierra Leone.

The GoSL and the APC need to work together to ensure that the Agreement of National Unity is implemented in full. This will require transparency, accountability, and good faith on both sides.