The Peace Dialogue between the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) which commenced yesterday, is underway at the Bintumani International Conference Center in Freetown.
The dialogue, which is facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) Sierra Leone and mediated by the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Commonwealth, is focused on bringing the two parties together with the aim of putting an end to the current political stalemate in Sierra Leone.
In a significant development, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Commonwealth have come together to mediate discussions between the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL) and the All People’s Congress (APC) Party regarding the outcome of the 24 June 2023 elections.
This mediation initiative comes in response to an invitation from the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Leading this crucial mediation process is Her Excellency, Aja Fatoumata C.M Jallow-Tambajang. She is supported by expert teams from the three renowned organisations.
Upon their arrival in Freetown on 13th October, 2023, the mediation team paid a courtesy visit to the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
Subsequently, they engaged in extensive consultations with key stakeholders within the country, including the leadership of the APC and its 24 June 2023 presidential candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara, cabinet ministers, the leadership of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (EC-SL), Civil Society Organisations and the Diplomatic Corps, among others.
The team also held discussions with the former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma.
The three-day mediation process officially commenced yesterday, at the Bintumani Hotel and is scheduled to continue until 18th October, 2023.
The mediation team has emphasised the importance of open and sincere discussions with the ultimate goal of finding a lasting resolution to the issues in question, all in the best interest of the nation.
Furthermore, all parties were urged to avoid making inflammatory statements in the media, as such actions could undermine the ongoing mediation process.
Her Excellency Aja Fatoumata C.M Jallow-Tambajang, the Former Vice President of The Gambia, has taken on the role of Joint Facilitator in this critical initiative.
This mediation process marks a crucial step toward promoting peace and stability in Sierra Leone, with hopes of achieving a constructive resolution to the post-election matters. The international community will be closely following these deliberations as they unfold.
The APC and the government delegations, headed by Dr. Samura Kamara and Dr. David Sengeh, respectively, are also present.