APC Accuses Tripartite Secretariat of Partisan Interference in Civic Engagements

The All Peoples’ Congress (APC) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as partisan and unilateral actions by the Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat (TSCS) in the rollout of district public education and civic engagement sessions under Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Committee Report.

In a notice released from the party’s headquarters in Freetown, the APC said it was acting “in deep consternation” after the TSCS published a national schedule for the consultations without providing key details such as venues, dates, timelines, or logistical arrangements. The party claims that these omissions undermine transparency, inclusiveness, and the procedural integrity of the process.

The APC further alleged that the schedule was released without the knowledge or approval of its Chief Negotiator under the Agreement for National Unity, Dr. Kaifala Marah, and without notification to the party’s National Secretariat. The party described this as a breach of trust that deliberately undermines the consensus-building process meant to guide the Tripartite initiative.

Of particular concern to the APC is the conduct of TSCS staff member Alimamy Lahai Kamara, who the party claims made unsolicited and politically charged calls in APC strongholds to identify so-called political infiltrators. According to the APC, Kamara also allegedly issued instructions limiting the number of participants at the Falaba District civic engagement session based on the presence of these individuals a move the party says shrinks democratic participation and politicizes Recommendation 78.

“The Recommendation 78 process is a national democratic consultation, not a partisan standoff,” the APC said, insisting that “all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of political identity, have the right to participate freely and without intimidation.”

The party is calling on the TSCS to publicly assure that the Secretariat is not being used as a partisan or state-driven tool, conduct an independent investigation into Kamara’s conduct, issue a formal apology, and publish a complete, verifiable consultation schedule. The APC also urged the resignation or removal of Kamara to restore public confidence in the institution.

Signed by Lansana Dumbuya, Esq., the APC National Secretary-General, the notice was circulated to diplomatic missions, international partners, civil society organizations, and governance institutions across Sierra Leone, reflecting the party’s determination to hold the TSCS accountable.

The dispute highlights growing tension between the APC and the Tripartite Steering Committee as Sierra Leone prepares for nationwide civic engagement sessions under Recommendation 78, with political observers closely monitoring the situation.