AYV News, August 8, 2024
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has reaffirmed government’s commitment to transparency in the implementation of Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity.
Dr. Sengeh said: “As a government, we have always committed ourselves to transparency in implementing the resolutions in the Agreement for National Unity we signed with the APC. As Chief Negotiator for the Government, I get regular updates which I have a responsibility to share with the public”.
He went on to say; “everyone knows we completed the Tripartite Report (Resolution 3) and are already implementing those recommendations. Resolution 4, which calls for a review of all cases of arrested and detained persons perceived by the APC as ‘politically motivated’, has garnered significant interest.
Dr. Sengeh provided an update from the team led by Deputy Minister of Justice, Alphonze Sesay, which revealed the status of the 318 persons listed by the APC, including those involved in the August 2023 coup attempt.
Resolution 4, which calls for a review of all cases of arrested and detained persons perceived by the APC as ‘politically motivated’, has been a focal point.
Dr. Sengeh reported that out of the 318 individuals listed by the APC, the joint review by government and APC representatives, along with the Sierra Leone Correctional Services, has established that only 15 people on the list of 318 are currently in custody and 108 escaped from detention during the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023.
He said 3 military officers, alleged to be part of the failed coup, were released and reinstated after investigations, 53 individuals served jail terms unrelated to elections and have been released, 65 individuals were discharged after paying court-ordered fines, also unrelated to elections, 14 individuals were released on bail, 51 names on the list were never in custody and 9 names were duplicated.
Dr. Sengeh said: “This is what we mean when we say we will govern with an open book. President Bio expects transparency, accountability and direct engagement with our people who we serve.”