Foday Moriba Conteh: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 17 January 2024:
Social media is awash with audio messages from unknown persons calling on the people of Sierra Leone to stay at home today 17th January 2024, claiming that sections of the country’s military will be out on the streets protesting against the government.
The government has been quick in quelling the rumours making the rounds. Both the minister of information and the military’s publicity unit have called on the people of Sierra Leone to go about their business and assuring that no protest will take place today.
Former President Koroma is due in court today to answer treason charges levied against him by the government. It is not clear whether today’s court hearing will go ahead in the light of threats of disruption by an unknown group.
Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, the National Chairman of the All Peoples Congress (APC), yesterday published a statement saying that the APC wishes to inform its membership and the general public that it has called for no such protest and therefore is asking its membership, supporters and the general public not to get involved or participate.
Mansaray said that on the 27th of November 2023 the party issued a statement condemning the failed coup and pledged its full support and cooperation with law enforcement agencies during the investigations.
“We are very much mindful of the fact that our former Chairman and Leader and our National Organizing Secretary have both been charged to court and other members of the party have also been associated with the coup”.
Minkailu Mansaray also assured members of the party that the leadership is doing everything legally possible to ensure their former Chairman and Leader and the National Organizing Secretary are accorded fair trial and justice and their dignity and human rights are upheld.
He called on all their members and supporters to allow the judicial process to continue while the leadership continues with more meaningful ways of getting to the bottom of the matter at these trying times.
Minkailu Mansaray appealed to all to be law-abiding and not take the law into their own hands by participating in a protest not sanctioned and organized by the party.
Earlier, on the 15th January, 2024, Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, issued a call for unity within the APC party as the party faces escalating internal challenges.
Expressing deep concern over a surge in factional attacks, indiscipline, and character assassination attempts, Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray emphasized the critical importance of unity in preserving the core fabric of the APC. He urged members to prioritize activities that strengthen the party’s institutional foundations, stressing the need to address issues that threaten its integrity.
Acknowledging the nation’s challenges under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government, the National Chairman called on APC members to remain resolute in their commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. He called for a collective focus on providing the leadership needed to guide the nation through its current economic challenges.
Regarding allegations against prominent party figures, including former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and National Organizing Secretary Hon. Bai Mahmoud Bangura, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray affirmed their innocence. He urged members to uphold high standards of integrity and discipline to preserve the party’s credibility.
The National Chairman expressed gratitude to various party organs, including the National Young Congress, Women’s Congress, Veterans, Elders’ Council, and the Disabled Wing, for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the contributions of APC members in the Diaspora, Councillors, Mayors, Chairpersons of Councils, and Members of Parliament, recognizing their dedication to the party’s cause.
Commending the bravery of the APC’s legal team in upholding justice and the rule of law, the National Chairman also appreciated the media team and bloggers for countering false narratives and disseminating accurate information.
Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray assured party members that the APC would overcome its challenges. He called for resilience, unity and the reconciliation of differences, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity within the party.
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