By Sallieu S. Kanu
FREETOWN, March 23, 2026: The National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, has called for urgent collaboration between the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandi, and SLPP councillors to restore functional governance in Freetown.
The appeal comes amid the ongoing boycott by the City Mayor and other All People’s Congress (APC) councillors, who have refused to participate in council operations. Their absence has stalled decision‑making and disrupted service delivery to residents, prompting the SLPP leadership to seek immediate remedies.
SLPP’s Proposed Actions
Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa outlined several measures to strengthen council operations and empower SLPP councillors to perform their statutory duties:
- Monthly Engagement Sessions – Regular meetings between councillors, the Minister, and local government stakeholders to align priorities and monitor progress.
- Structured Leadership Framework – Clear roles and hierarchies within the council to streamline accountability.
- Collaboration with Ministries – Partnerships with key ministries to access resources, technical support, and policy guidance.
- Performance Platforms – Funding and authority for councillors to deliver tangible results for citizens.
He stressed that the SLPP remains committed to good governance, service delivery, and the prosperity of Freetown, urging patriotic citizens to support these efforts.
APC’s Justification for Boycott
The APC has defended its boycott as a political protest against what it describes as electoral irregularities and a lack of transparency in the 2023 elections. Party officials argue that their absence is intended to pressure the government and international partners to address grievances over the electoral process.
According to APC representatives, participation under current conditions would legitimize what they consider a flawed system. They insist the boycott is a principled stand to safeguard democratic integrity, even as critics warn of its impact on governance.
Governance at a Crossroads
Observers note that the boycott has left Freetown without a fully functioning council, weakening oversight and slowing service delivery. The SLPP leadership’s call for collaboration is seen as an attempt to stabilize operations and ensure continuity of governance despite the political impasse.
As both parties hold firm to their positions, the future of Freetown’s governance hinges on whether dialogue and compromise can restore representation and accountability at the local level.