By Alieu Masaysay, Office of the Presidential Spokesman,
State House, Freetown
It is now evident and a fact that the reputation of an iconic national leader—President Julius Maada Bio—who is highly esteemed for his outstanding record of service to Sierra Leone, has been the target of deliberate misinformation and propaganda. These falsehoods, promoted by elements loyal to the opposition, attempted to mislead citizens into believing that President Bio would be unlawfully replaced following his recent visit to the United Kingdom.
The silence of Dr. Samura Kamara, in the face of such dangerous propaganda circulating on social media, is both troubling and disappointing. His refusal to distance himself from these false narratives—which are designed to undermine peace and stability—casts doubt on his loyalty to the nation. Dr. Kamara, as an experienced politician familiar with Sierra Leone’s laws, should know better. Instead, by failing to correct the lies, he appears complicit in promoting the so-called “tripartite agenda” and illegal swearing-in schemes.
This unpatriotic posture raises serious questions about his commitment to democracy and his capacity to govern responsibly. As someone aware of the supremacy of the rule of law, Dr. Kamara knows that any citizen who feels aggrieved by alleged electoral malpractice has a constitutional right to seek redress through the courts. The law is clear: *Section 45(2)(b) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, Rule 5(1) of Statutory Instrument No. 23 of the Election Petition Rules 2007, and Section 54(1) of the Public Elections Act 2022 outline the legal procedures for resolving electoral disputes.*
Attempts to bypass these procedures in favor of street agitation and false promises of unconstitutional swearing-in ceremonies only serve to inflame tensions and risk plunging the country into chaos. Thankfully, the majority of Sierra Leoneans, including many within the APC itself, have rejected such reckless strategies and remain focused on the path of peace and democratic participation.
The triumphant arrival of President Bio back in Freetown has further exposed the lies and deceit of those who claimed he would be removed. These reckless claims were intended to destabilize the state, incite violence, and hold even the APC party hostage to narrow political ambitions.
Dr. Kamara’s refusal to speak truth to his supporters reflects a troubling lack of sincerity and a betrayal of the Sierra Leonean people. Leadership demands honesty, respect for the Constitution, and a willingness to put the nation above personal ambition.
The Case for Political Inclusion
While it is important to defend the rule of law against propaganda and misinformation, Sierra Leone’s democracy also faces a deeper challenge: the urgent need for political inclusion. Democracy thrives when no group feels excluded from governance. Exclusion breeds resentment, deepens mistrust, and creates fertile ground for political instability.
In our history, divisions along political, regional, and ethnic lines have too often been exploited to undermine peace. To build a stronger future, Sierra Leone must adopt a spirit of inclusive governance—where opposition voices are respected, where national dialogue is encouraged, and where policies serve not just one party but the collective good.
Countries such as Namibia, Mozambique, Belgium, and Switzerland have demonstrated that political inclusion and power-sharing can strengthen unity, reduce conflict, and foster development. Sierra Leone, with its fragile history of civil war and recent political tensions, stands to gain immensely from such an approach.
Inclusion does not weaken leadership—it strengthens it. By ensuring that all voices are heard, President Bio can continue to build a legacy of stability, prosperity, and reconciliation. It is only through inclusive governance that we can restore Sierra Leone to its rightful place as a beacon of hope and progress in West Africa.
Conclusion
The law is unambiguous: no one can overturn an election result or remove a sitting President except through the decision of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, whose rulings supersede all other jurisdictions. Dr. Samura Kamara should, for the sake of his own integrity and the dignity of his supporters, issue a clear statement disassociating himself from this unlawful propaganda. He should urge his followers to respect the rule of law and contribute positively to peace and national development.
President Bio’s return has not only silenced falsehoods but also reaffirmed the resilience of Sierra Leone’s democracy. Moving forward, the country must embrace political inclusion and dialogue as the surest path to peace, stability, and a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans.