Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Both the main opposition APC party – led by Dr Samura Kamara, and the government of Sierra Leone – represented at the mediation talks by the government’s chief minister David Sengeh, have today signed an historical agreement to end the post–election conflict that has been threatening to cripple the country, since the declaration of President Bio as winner of the Presidential election in July.
The agreement by both parties does not include a resolution to conduct a re-run of the elections, nor the publication of all polling stations results as previously demanded by the main opposition APC. This will no doubt cause anger among supporters and members of the APC.
While the agreement recognises the demands made by the APC, for example – the resignation of the Chief Electoral Commissioner and all regional Commissioners, it remains to be seen whether this will be among the key changes to be announced soon by President Bio.
Other key agreements reached by the APC and the government include the backpayment of salaries and other financial loss suffered by all elected APC members of parliament, councillors, Mayors and council chairpersons following their decision to boycott governance.
In return for the government’s decision to accept the demands of the APC as listed in the agreement, all elected APC politicians will return to parliament and local councils.
Commenting on the resolutions reached by the government and the APC today, the US Embassy in Sierra Leone said: “The Embassy of the United States of America applauds the Government of Sierra Leone and the All People’s Congress Party for their leadership and courage in signing the Agreement for National Unity.
“We appreciate and recognize the work undertaken by mediators from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Economic Community of West African States, which was vital in bridging differences and advancing dialogue.
“This landmark agreement represents a critical step on Sierra Leone’s democratic journey. The decision of the leadership of the All People’s Congress to take up its elected seats in national and local government institutions will ensure a robust and constructive opposition voice in these bodies and help ensure that they take into account the interests of all Sierra Leoneans as they carry out their important work.
“The parties’ agreement to form a commission to review the conduct and results of the June 2023 multi-tier elections offers an important opportunity to address long-standing institutional challenges to free, fair, and credible elections.
“The United States Embassy applauds the decision to form a joint, inclusive leadership for this commission and to ensure that its work includes a focus both on the results tabulation process and the conduct of the Election Commission of Sierra Leone.
“We stand ready to support the critical work of the commission and hope that it will be carried out in a spirit of inclusion, unity of purpose, and transparency.
“The United States Embassy recognizes that this agreement represents but a first step in the process of rebuilding trust, promoting national cohesion, and strengthening democracy in Sierra Leone. For this process to advance, leaders of all political parties will need to ensure that the Agreement on National Unity is implemented rapidly and fully — in letter and in spirit. We urge all Sierra Leoneans to come together and support their national leaders in this important work.”
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