APC Leadership Accuses Samura Kamara of Division Amid Internal Party Rift
In a developing rift within Sierra Leone's main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), members of the party's Strategic Communications Unit have accused Dr. Samura Kamara, former APC flagbearer and presidential candidate, of causing division within the party.
Tensions escalated recently after Kamara reportedly refused to relinquish the keys to the party's headquarters office in Brookfields, Freetown, prompting criticism and concern from key party figures. The controversy began two weeks ago when APC Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya formally requested that Kamara hand over the office keys.
According to Dumbuya, Kamara’s retention of the office six months
after losing the 2023 election to incumbent Julius Maada Bio is "not only
inappropriate but also contrary to the party’s established practices.” Dumbuya
cited an earlier commitment by Kamara to relinquish the office keys after the
release of the Tripartite Committee’s report, which was intended to address
party structural issues.
Kamara Responds with Accusations of
Misdirected Priorities
In response, Kamara issued a statement clarifying
his intent to keep the office until issues surrounding electoral justice are
resolved. He expressed frustration over the APC’s focus on “logistical issues,” accusing the leadership of prioritizing minor procedural
matters over party unity. Kamara’s statement implied that the current
executive’s focus is misplaced, leading to further divisions rather than
solidarity among party members.
APC Leadership Fires Back, Expressing
Distrust in Kamara’s Intentions
The APC leadership’s response, published in a lengthy essay on social media, condemned Kamara’s decision as harmful to the party’s cohesion and strategy. The essay criticized Kamara for placing "personal grievances" above the collective interests of the party and questioned his intentions as potentially divisive.
The leadership expressed
concerns that Kamara’s actions could inadvertently aid the ruling Sierra Leone
People’s Party (SLPP) in undermining APC’s readiness for future elections,
including the critical 2028 presidential race.
“His actions cast doubt on his intentions,
especially given the possibility that they may ultimately benefit the SLPP,
weakening our party's strategic position,” said a statement from the APC’s
Strategic Communications Unit.
Grassroots Support and Waning Trust
While Kamara continues to enjoy support among
certain grassroots factions within the APC, the leadership claims his recent
actions have eroded trust among senior members. This divide has led to concerns
among supporters, some of whom are beginning to lose confidence in the APC’s
prospects for the 2028 elections. One devoted party member lamented, “If this
issue isn’t resolved, we risk an internal crisis that could cripple our chances in
the next election.”
A Call for Resolution to Strengthen the
APC’s 2028 Vision
As the APC navigates this tense period, members
and supporters hope for a swift resolution. Observers within the party
warn that any lingering disunity may severely hamper the APC’s effectiveness as
a unified opposition. With the 2028 elections just around the corner, calls are
mounting for the APC to focus on rebuilding trust and fostering cohesion to
avoid giving the SLPP an advantage.
Closing Thoughts
The ongoing dispute highlights the internal
challenges the APC faces as it seeks to position itself as a credible
alternative to the ruling party. As the leadership and Dr. Samura Kamara
continue to clash, it remains uncertain whether a resolution can be reached that
will unify the APC’s ranks and set the party on a solid path toward the next
electoral cycle.