Summary:
Dialogue Opening statement by Dr Samura Kamara
The summary of the opening statement by Dr Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara, the leader
and presidential candidate of the All Peoples’ Congress (APC) in Sierra Leone, addressing the
post-election stalemate in the country. The dialogue is facilitated by representatives of the
Commonwealth, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS).
Key Points:
1. Acknowledgment of Facilitators: Dr Kamara thanks the international organizations for
their commitment to democracy, peace, security, development, and stability in Sierra Leone
and globally.
2. Election Concerns: Dr Kamara contends that the elections were marred by premeditated
actions aimed at rigging, including violence, intimidation, and the misuse of state institutions.
3. Historical Context: The APC peacefully transitioned power to the SLPP in 2018 but has
since faced constant harassment, leading to a waned democratic space in the country.
4. Transparency Issues: Dr Kamara questions why the Sierra Leone Electoral Commission
has not released disaggregated results at all polling stations, accusing them of hiding
fraudulent activities.
5. International Observers: Both local and international observation missions have
expressed concerns about the electoral process, and some diplomatic entities have paused
development assistance as a result.
6. Call for Rerun: Due to glaring irregularities and the absence of granular results, the APC
has demanded a rerun of the elections and is boycotting governance at all levels in the interim.
7. Credibility and Transparency: Dr Kamara emphasizes the importance of transparency
for public confidence and cites reports from the EU Observation Mission as proof of
compromised electoral transparency.
8. Role of Diplomatic Community: The speaker urges that criticisms from the diplomatic
community should be seen as constructive inputs for strengthening democracy in Sierra
Leone.
9. Nation’s Priorities: Dr Kamara contends that the country is at a crossroads, grappling
with political intimidation, economic woes, and poor governance. He argues that these
challenges led the people to vote for a change in leadership, which they were denied due to
the flawed electoral process.
ANALYSIS:
The statement addresses the importance of an ongoing dialogue aimed at resolving electoral
disputes in Sierra Leone. Dr Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, representing the APC party,
emphasizes that their stance is the result of a broad and inclusive consultation process that
considers not only their party’s interests but those of all Sierra Leoneans. The APC questions
the legitimacy of the current administration, citing lack of transparency in vote counting and
other undemocratic actions, such as harassment of APC members.
The statement outlines two paths forward: one where both parties remain entrenched in their
positions, and a courageous one involving reconciliation and rule changes for the betterment
of the country. It criticizes the SLPP for inconsistencies in their actions and statements,
implying that they’re not genuinely interested in peace or dialogue.
The economic, social, and political challenges facing the country underscore the urgency and
importance of the dialogue. The APC insists that systemic issues need urgent fixing and that
the true test of leadership will be choosing what is right for the people and the nation, even
when difficult.
The APC calls for mutual respect, open listening, and collective efforts to find lasting
solutions. They express the hope that the dialogue will pave the way for restoring democracy
and social justice in Sierra Leone. The statement concludes with a prayer for a fruitful
outcome.
Dr Samura Kamara’s statement eloquently captures the complexity of the political landscape
in Sierra Leone and underscores the gravity of the situation facing the country. It resonates
as a call for genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to uncovering the truth
for the benefit of the Sierra Leonean people. He deftly addressed the challenges posed by
contested elections and the implications for governance, social justice, and democracy.
By drawing attention to the issues at hand without resorting to antagonism, He effectively
open the door for meaningful conversation. He strokes a crucial balance between asserting
the APC’s grievances and showing openness to collaborative problem-solving.
His reference to economic challenges shows an understanding that the stakes of political
stability extend far beyond the election results themselves. It is indeed the everyday lives of
the people that hang in the balance, especially given the volatile economic conditions that can
be exacerbated by political instability.
His concluding remarks underscores the critical role of leadership in navigating this difficult
period. In calling for institutional reforms that support social justice and democracy, he
touches upon an issue that resonates globally: the importance of systems that respect and
reflect the will of the people.
The roadmap he proposes—a movement away from entrenched positions toward
reconciliation and reform—offers a constructive way forward. Dr Samura Kamara’s emphasis
on listening, respect, and the search for mutual ground sets an important tone for the
discussions to come.
While it remains to be seen how the SLPP and other parties will respond, Dr Samura
Kamara’s statement has laid the groundwork for a potentially transformative dialogue.
The overall tone is one of concern for the democratic process in Sierra Leone and an urgent
call for transparent resolution to the current electoral impasse.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and may the outcomes of these conversations indeed
reflect the aspirations and needs of the people of Sierra Leone.
Foday S Kamara
Head of Communications & Digital Transformation
SamuraKamara2023
