By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – August 30, 2026 – High Court Judge Justice Adrian Fisher has clarified the scope of the interim injunction restraining senior officials of the All People’s Congress (APC), stressing that the order is not intended to paralyze the party’s operations.
The ruling restrains Osman Foday Yansanneh and Lansana Dumbuya from performing duties associated with their positions as National Chairman and Leader and National Secretary General. They are barred from convening executive meetings, supervising party affairs, or carrying out day‑to‑day functions.
The injunction also extends to all current executive members under the APC’s 2022 Constitution, suspending actions taken since August 19, 2026.
Limited Exemptions
Justice Fisher emphasized that the injunction includes specific exemptions to prevent the APC from grinding to a halt:
- Cheque signing: The restrained officials may sign payment cheques for party staff and contractors to ensure salaries are paid.
- Election support: Administrative assistance is permitted to facilitate completion of district‑level elections within the stipulated 21‑day period.
The judge warned that while performing these limited functions, the officials must not present themselves as National Chairman or Secretary General.
“If they have to sign a cheque, they can sign a cheque. But in doing that, they cannot say, ‘I am the Secretary General,’ neither can the Chairman say, ‘I am the Chairman,’” Justice Fisher stated.
Court’s Balancing Act
Justice Fisher explained that the exemptions were necessary to strike a balance between enforcing the injunction and maintaining essential party functions. He cautioned against breaches, including public claims of holding party office.
The court heard arguments from defence counsel Africanus Sesay, who contended that the injunction affected the APC’s day‑to‑day administration and ongoing engagements. Plaintiffs’ counsel Jesse Jengo countered that the defendants had shown reluctance to comply with aspects of the order.
Justice Fisher underscored that the injunction was granted in the public interest, given disputes over the tenure of APC executive officers. He highlighted constitutional provisions assigning responsibility for internal elections and dispute resolution to the Elections Management Committee, not the restrained officials.
The matter forms part of the ongoing legal battle between Alfred Peter Conteh and Mohamed Sheridan Kamara and the APC leadership. Substantive issues will be addressed after the court vacation, with the next hearing scheduled for September 19, 2026.