FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Further to our last press release dated 13th June 2024, our attention is drawn to the statement issued and signed by Lansana Dumbuya Esq, National Secretary-General of the APC on behalf of his party, a signatory and one of the three parties to the Agreement for National Unity. This is the agreement that has held the country to ransom since December 2023.
In the said statement, the APC expressed disappointment over the ECSL's refusal to release relevant information relating to the data of the 2023 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. For that reason, the APC has suspended participation in the Agreement for National Unity that established the Tripartite Committee with a mandate to investigate and examine the past elections and related issues.
As of today, the agreement appears to have collapsed. Prior to today, the APC and the SLPP signed a joint communique condemning so-called hate speech. Julius Maada Bio subsequently addressed his supporters and remarked on the possible outcome of the pending Tripartite Committee Report during which he threatened citizens with violence. It is clear to us that Bio knew this was coming but he is fearful that it could ignite protests in the country.
Since we have not heard from the other party to the agreement (the International Community), we urge their representatives to immediately address the nation on the ongoing investigation and examination. We also entreat the APC Presidential Candidate and Leader on his behaviour, to address the country on his party's position following the breakdown of the Agreement.
We believe that all parties were integral in assuring Sierra Leoneans about the seriousness of the Tripartite Agreement which now seem to be in jeopardy.
We Sierra Leoneans can no longer be reticent on an important issue such as this and pretend to be unaware of the betrayal by the parties. We hold each party to the agreement squarely responsible for its failure and we are determined to reclaim our country and restore peace and justice including electoral integrity and the sanctity of our National Constitution.
Let the parties be aware.
Long live PPP
Long live Sierra Leone
The end!
Dated this 15th day of June 2024.
