Over signing of peace accord between Gov’t and APC… U.S. Calls on SierraLeoneans To Support their leaders for National Unity
In a press release dated 19th October, 2023, The Embassy of the United States of America has applauded 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”, says the U.S Embassy, adding that this landmark agreement represents a critical step on Sierra Leone’s democratic journey.
According to the U.S Embassy, 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”, he added and recognised that this agreement represents but a first step in the process of rebuilding trust, promoting national cohesion, and strengthening democracy in Sierra Leone.
While urging all SierraLeoneans to come together and support their national leaders in this important work, the U.S Embassy said 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.
