APC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Incendiary Remarks, Calls for Political Tolerance
By James Johnson
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has strongly condemned a statement attributed to Julius Maada Bio, in which he allegedly suggested that APC supporters in Bonthe District should “die early in the morning.”
In a statement issued by the party, the APC expressed grave concern over what it described as a pattern of troubling remarks reportedly made by senior figures within the ruling establishment. These include comments attributed to the Deputy Minister of Information and the Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), as well as the President’s alleged remarks made in Mende.
According to the APC, such statements—suggesting that the party should cease to exist or that its supporters should face harm—represent a dangerous deviation from democratic norms and pose a threat to political tolerance in Sierra Leone. The party warned that this kind of rhetoric undermines the spirit of national cohesion, including commitments under the Agreement for National Unity.
“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 statement emphasised.
The APC reaffirmed its position as a legitimate political institution with a long-standing history, broad national support, and a constitutional right to operate freely.
The party further condemned any rhetoric that incites hostility, promotes division, or targets citizens based on political affiliation, describing such language as reckless and incompatible with democratic governance.
Addressing its supporters—particularly those in Bonthe District and other potentially affected areas—the APC called for calm, restraint, and continued adherence to the rule of law. It urged members not to succumb to provocation, intimidation, or fear.
“The rights of all citizens, including political party members, are protected under the Constitution of Sierra Leone,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law, the APC also called on relevant authorities, state institutions, and civil society organisations to take note of the situation and act responsibly to safeguard national unity.
The party cautioned against any drift toward political intolerance, stressing the importance of upholding democratic values to ensure that Sierra Leone remains a peaceful, inclusive, and pluralistic society.
