SLPP Chairman Confirms Preparations for Counter-Protest Amid Opposition Plans

The Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, has confirmed that the party is preparing for a counter-protest should opposition groups proceed with planned street demonstrations.

Speaking on the party’s stance regarding national stability and the right to assemble, Chairman Songa revealed that the SLPP leadership has already formally contacted the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to coordinate their response.

The Chairman’s remarks come as opposition parties continue to voice grievances over the current political and economic climate, signaling potential nationwide protests. According to Songa, the decision to organize a counter-demonstration is a strategic move to showcase the ruling party’s mandate.

“We have informed the Inspector General of Police of our intentions,” Songa stated, emphasizing that the party plans to remain within the law while ensuring their supporters have a presence on the streets if the opposition attempts to “disrupt the peace.”

The announcement has sparked debate among civil society groups and security analysts, who warn that simultaneous demonstrations by rival political factions could lead to confrontations.

The SLPP leadership, however, insists that any counter-protest will be organized in coordination with state security, with the objective of demonstrating public support for the government’s agenda while maintaining law and order.

While the Office of the Inspector General has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the SLPP’s request, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) face increasing pressure to balance the constitutional right to protest with the need to prevent civil unrest.

As political tensions simmer, observers are calling for a de-escalation of rhetoric from both the ruling party and the opposition to avoid a repeat of past clashes. For now, the capital remains calm, but the lines have clearly been drawn by the SLPP leadership.