The All Peoples Congress (APC) has issued a strongly worded press statement expressing grave concern over what it described as dangerous and deeply troubling remarks allegedly made by senior figures within the ruling establishment, warning that such rhetoric could erode democratic norms and threaten political stability in Sierra Leone.
In the statement dated April 7, 2026, the opposition party pointed to comments reportedly attributed to high-ranking officials, including individuals linked to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), which it claims suggest that the APC should no longer exist or that its members should face harm.
The APC described these alleged remarks as not only alarming but also indicative of a broader pattern that could undermine the principles of democratic engagement and coexistence in the country.
Quoting fully from the statement, the party said:
“The All Peoples Congress (APC) expresses grave concern over a series of deeply troubling statements reportedly made by senior members of the ruling establishment, including remarks attributed to the Deputy Minister of Information, the Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), and statements allegedly made by the President in Mende.
These reported statements, suggesting that the APC should be ‘dead,’ should ‘no longer exist,’ or that its members should face harm, represent a dangerous departure from democratic norms and a direct threat to political tolerance in Sierra Leone, and undermine the Agreement for National Unity.
Let it be unequivocally stated: Sierra Leone is a multi-party democracy, and no individual or political group has the authority to wish away, suppress, or threaten the existence of another political party. The APC is a legitimate political institution with a long history, strong national support, and a constitutional right to exist and operate freely.
We strongly condemn any rhetoric, from whatever quarter that incites hostility, promotes division, or threatens the safety of citizens based on their political affiliation. Such language is reckless and has no place in a democratic society.
We particularly wish to reassure our members and supporters across the country, especially in Bonthe and other areas where concerns have been raised, that they must remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute. They should not succumb to intimidation, provocation, or fear. Their rights as citizens and as members of a political party are protected under the Constitution of Sierra Leone.
The APC remains committed to peace, democracy, and the Rule of Law. We call on all responsible authorities, including leaders of state institutions and civil society organizations, to take note of these developments and to ensure that Sierra Leone does not slide into a culture of political intolerance and fear.
We urge the leadership of the ruling party and government to publicly clarify their positions and distance themselves from any statements that promote violence or exclusion.
Sierra Leone belongs to all of us.”
The statement reflects growing tension within Sierra Leone’s political space, where opposition voices are increasingly raising concerns over the tone and direction of political discourse.
By invoking the country’s constitutional framework and multi-party structure, the APC sought to reinforce its legitimacy and right to exist, while cautioning against any attempt—rhetorical or otherwise—to delegitimize opposition politics.
The party’s emphasis on areas such as Bonthe also suggests that concerns are not merely theoretical but may already be resonating at the grassroots level, where political tensions can have more immediate and tangible consequences.
Beyond its immediate political implications, the APC’s warning touches on broader democratic principles, particularly the importance of tolerance, inclusion, and the peaceful coexistence of divergent political ideologies. In emerging democracies like Sierra Leone, such principles are often seen as critical to long-term stability and national cohesion.
The call for intervention by state institutions and civil society groups further underscores the seriousness of the situation, as the opposition party seeks broader accountability and reassurance that democratic safeguards will be upheld.
Equally significant is the APC’s appeal to its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, a move that appears aimed at preventing escalation while maintaining its stance against what it views as provocative rhetoric.
The demand for clarification from the ruling party signals an expectation that political leaders must not only refrain from inflammatory language but also actively distance themselves from any statements that could incite division or violence.
As political discourse continues to evolve in Sierra Leone, the APC’s statement serves as both a warning and a reminder—highlighting the fragile balance between political competition and national unity, and the critical role responsible leadership plays in maintaining that balance.
Ultimately, the situation places renewed focus on the need for restraint, dialogue, and adherence to democratic norms, as stakeholders across the political spectrum navigate an increasingly sensitive environment.