Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Leader of the Opposition, Honorable Abdul Kargbo, has publicly condemned the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) over reports that military officers allegedly opened fire on an opposition party office following a partial announcement of recent election results.
In a press statement, Hon. Kargbo stated that the reported actions have “raised deep concern among citizens, observers, and stakeholders in our democracy” and are “inconsistent with the constitutional mandate of the military.”
The Opposition Leader detailed the allegations, claiming that immediately after 60% of the polling station results were announced, military officers “proceeded directly to the opposition party office, opened fire, and created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.”
“This action is inconsistent with the constitutional mandate of the military,” Kargbo stated, asserting that it violates the principles of neutrality and professionalism expected of a national army.
The opposition leader’s statement heavily emphasized the military’s constitutional duty to remain non-partisan. He directly cited Sections 165(2) and 165(3) of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, which mandate that the Armed Forces “shall be non-partisan” and “shall not be employed to further the interest of any political party or to subvert the will of the people.”
Kargbo warned that the military’s legitimacy is derived from the public’s trust, not from the favor of a ruling government. “Every bullet fired at unarmed citizens diminishes that trust; every unlawful instruction obeyed weakens the moral authority of the military,” he said.
The Opposition Leader warned that members who act on political orders “betray their oath of allegiance and risk dragging the entire institution into disrepute,” stressing that “The gun must always serve the law, not the politician.”Hon. Kargbo also addressed a “deeply troubling” statement recently attributed to the new ruling party chairman, which allegedly suggested the military would block the opposition from regaining power.
The Opposition Leader demanded that the RSLAF “publicly distance itself from such declarations and reaffirm its loyalty to the Republic, not to any political party,” as such rhetoric “insults the independence of the Armed Forces.”
Calling for immediate corrective action, the opposition leader urged the military command to ensure its officers do not act on politically motivated directives and to reaffirm its loyalty to the constitution and the people of Sierra Leone.
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