APC Meets Moral Guarantors on Agreement for National Unity and Tripartite Committee Recommendations
“This is the last window for credible action,” declared the National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC) as he opened deliberations, followed by individual prayers.
The APC delegation was led by Acting Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Alhaji Osman Foday Yansaneh, while the Moral Guarantors’ mission was headed by H.E. Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang. Formal introductions were conducted on both sides before discussions commenced.
In his opening remarks, APC National Secretary General, Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, reiterated that the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) and the Tripartite Committee process have effectively collapsed in substance. He recalled the intervention of the Moral Guarantors at Bintumani, which persuaded the APC to return to governance and accept difficult compromises in the interest of national peace.
He emphasized that the APC acted in good faith despite internal resistance and dissatisfaction among supporters. However, he noted that this goodwill has not been reciprocated. Referencing his alleged unlawful detention for raising concerns about the credibility of the elections, he warned that unless these issues—alongside broader failures in implementing the Tripartite Committee recommendations—are decisively addressed, the entire process risks failure.
“If this is not resolved by the mission,” he concluded, “then what was started at Bintumani would be seen as a complete failure.”
Acting National Chairman Ambassador Yansaneh welcomed the delegation and revisited the political stalemate following the 2023 elections, which the APC maintains were rigged. He explained that this led to the establishment of the ANU and the Tripartite Committee under Resolution 3 to review the elections and recommend corrective measures.
He expressed concern over persistent delays, lack of transparency, and unilateral government actions that, according to the APC, undermine the spirit of the agreement. As an example, he cited the recent appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha—an individual allegedly linked to the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) during the 2023 elections—which he argued contradicts Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Committee.
He further alleged that the President contravened the 1991 Constitution by failing to consult political parties in the appointment of Mohamed Konneh as Chief Electoral Commissioner. Additional concerns raised included politically motivated legal cases, lack of political will, and the President’s refusal to engage the APC directly, contributing to an ongoing boycott.
The Acting Chairman also highlighted what he described as continued politically motivated actions by the government, even as the Moral Guarantors engage both parties. He cited the recent sentencing of opposition supporter Zainab Sheriff to four years’ imprisonment as an example.
Dr. Kaifala Marrah, APC Chief Negotiator, criticized what he described as the failure of the government’s chief negotiator to uphold “sacred responsibilities of state,” thereby weakening confidence in the reform process ahead of the 2028 elections. He pointed to non-compliance by the ECSL, lack of transparency in the management of the civil register, and the imposition of Proportional Representation as key concerns.
Leonard Balogun Koroma, Chairman of the APC 2026 Census Committee, raised issues regarding the postponement of the 2025 Census. He questioned the reliance on 2021 mid-term census data, citing limited transparency and insufficient stakeholder engagement. He warned that the timing could create uncertainty around constituency boundaries ahead of the 2028 elections, further eroding public trust.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr provided an update on the Steering Committee overseeing the Tripartite process, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and progress despite existing challenges.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Minority Leader in Parliament, outlined concerns including the APC being denied the opportunity to nominate representatives to international parliamentary bodies. He also referenced Recommendation 20 of the Tripartite report, which calls for the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary committee to oversee electoral management bodies. He further noted the APC’s cooperation in the Constitutional Amendment process as a demonstration of good faith.
The Legal Adviser, Africanus Sorie Sesay, was represented by his deputy, who presented on the Constitutional Amendments Bill.
Ambassador Yansaneh concluded with a position paper reaffirming the APC’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and democratic processes, emphasizing that sustainable peace must be anchored in justice, trust, and credible electoral systems.
Responding on behalf of the Moral Guarantors, H.E. Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang expressed appreciation for the APC’s engagement. She acknowledged concerns regarding the non-functionality of the Secretariat and stressed the importance of addressing it. She described the ANU and Tripartite Committee recommendations as “moral documents” that carry both accountability and responsibility.
She noted that many of the mission’s preliminary questions had already been addressed in the APC’s comprehensive presentation. She assured the delegation that the mission would carefully review submissions from both the APC and the government in order to develop a common position aimed at ensuring peace, stability, and national cohesion.
She further emphasized the mission’s commitment to addressing the root causes of the political impasse and called on all stakeholders to embrace peace as a fundamental value. She assured the APC of the mission’s full cooperation and reiterated that the team would remain engaged until meaningful progress is achieved.
All parties agreed to reconvene on Thursday 16th April 2026 a smaller setting to begin addressing the most critical issues.
*Stay tuned for live updates from the APC National Publicity Secretariat*
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