In Sierra Leone’s political landscape, a glimmer of hope is finally shining. The ruling party, the SLPP, and the main opposition party, the APC, have finally found common ground to put an end to the post-election crisis that has shaken the country for several months. This political agreement, signed under the mediation of the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS, marks a crucial step towards stability and national reconciliation.
The general elections which took place a few months ago were the trigger for this crisis. The APC contested the results, deeming them rigged in favor of the SLPP. As a sign of protest, the opposition party boycotted parliament and local councils, thus paralyzing the functioning of the country. The negotiations were long and difficult, but this signing of the agreement marks the end of this political impasse and opens the way to constructive cooperation between the two political parties.
The secretary general of the SLPP, Umaru Koroma, stressed in a statement that it is the people of Sierra Leone who are the big winners of this agreement. Indeed, it is to respond to the expectations and aspirations of the people that this national dialogue was initiated. Mediators, including Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia, played a crucial role in facilitating this dialogue, exerting a beneficial maternal influence on the negotiations.
Over three days, the two sides addressed sticking points raised by the opposition, such as the lack of transparency in the vote and accusations of bias by the electoral commission. However, the final agreement does not mention the holding of a new election, nor the publication of the results of all polling stations. These shortcomings could cause disappointment among the APC base which had made these demands.
Despite everything, the SLPP calls on all political actors and Sierra Leoneans to accept this national unity agreement and work towards peace. By ending its boycott of parliament and local councils, the APC shows its willingness to re-engage in the democratic process and work jointly with the SLPP for the good of the country.
This political agreement represents an important step in building a stronger and more stable Sierra Leone. It is essential that all parties respect and implement the commitments made in this agreement to ensure a peaceful political transition and national reconciliation. Hope is being reborn in the country, and now is the time to move forward together towards a better future.