Dr. Kaifala Marah Commends Progress on National Unity Talks
In a significant stride toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic consolidation and fostering lasting political reconciliation, the Chief Negotiator of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Kaifala Marah, on Thursday, October 10, 2025, held a high-level engagement with the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, representing the Government of Sierra Leone, to assess progress made under the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) and to review the implementation of the Tripartite Committee Recommendations.
The meeting, which took place in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, was widely described as constructive, forward-looking, and nationally significant, marking a new phase in efforts to bridge the political divide and consolidate trust between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition APC.
Dr. Kaifala Marah, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of the session as “a practical demonstration of goodwill and a commitment to genuine dialogue in pursuit of national cohesion.” He emphasized that both sides acknowledged tangible progress already achieved under the ANU framework progress that reflects a shared vision for peace, inclusion, and development.
Key Milestones Recognized
Among the milestones highlighted during the discussions were:
Payment of salary arrears owed to APC Members of Parliament and local councilors a key resolution that had lingered for months.
Release of APC supporters who were previously in detention, following verified lists submitted by the party secretariat.
Government authorization for the safe return of internally and externally displaced Sierra Leoneans affected by political tensions.
Dr. Marah also noted that both negotiating teams reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding political and judicial issues, including cases perceived to be politically motivated. To this end, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice were tasked with providing a comprehensive update on all pending cases to ensure fairness, transparency, and timely closure.
Tripartite Recommendations and Reform Roadmap
A central focus of the meeting was the implementation of the Tripartite Committee Recommendations, which propose critical electoral and constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and processes.
Dr. Kaifala Marah announced the expanded APC representation on the ANU Steering Committee to enhance technical depth and ensure broad-based participation. The newly included members are:
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq., Legal and Constitutional Expert
Amb. Dr. Alimamy P. Koroma, Institutional Reform Expert
Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, Parliamentary Expert
Dr. Richard Konteh, Elections Expert
David Fornah, Elections Expert
Recognizing that several of the proposed reforms will necessitate constitutional amendments and possibly a national referendum, both parties agreed that the Attorney General’s Office should organize a seminar with Members of Parliament to provide detailed insights into the proposed reforms before they are tabled in Parliament.
Government Commended for Good Faith
Dr. Kaifala Marah lauded Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and the Government for demonstrating good faith and transparency by formally presenting the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations to Cabinet for consideration.
“This action,” he noted, “reflects a genuine commitment to national unity and institutional integrity. Our teams have identified key areas requiring further dialogue, which will be addressed in our next engagement. The APC remains steadfast in promoting constructive political dialogue that benefits all Sierra Leoneans.”
Chief Minister Sengeh: ‘We Are Delivering on the Promise of Unity’
Responding, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh expressed appreciation for the renewed collaboration and reaffirmed the Government’s determination to fully implement the ANU resolutions in partnership with the APC.
He recalled that when the ANU process began in 2023, Dr. Samura Kamara represented the APC, but noted that Dr. Marah had been instrumental in steering the process since its inception, ensuring continuity and progress.
“Critics once believed that nothing agreed upon would ever be implemented,” Dr. Sengeh remarked. “Yet, today, we have either completed or are actively implementing every ANU resolution. Even Resolution 4 covering salary arrears and the release of certain detainees has been fulfilled. This week alone, President Bio’s Cabinet approved the electoral reforms emerging from the constitutional review and the Tripartite Committee Report.”
The Chief Minister added confidently:
As Chief Negotiators, we can soon declare that 100% of the ANU commitments have been delivered. This is a remarkable milestone in our democratic journey and a powerful symbol of Sierra Leone’s growing political maturity. When government, opposition, and institutions work together, national unity is not just a slogan it becomes a reality.”
President Bio’s Pledge of Inclusive Governance
Concluding the session, Dr. Sengeh reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance and national reconciliation:
Two years ago, when we signed the Agreement for National Unity, I said #WeWillDeliver. Today, with the progress we have made together, I can proudly say #WeAreDelivering and indeed, #WeDeliver.”
As both parties prepare for the next round of talks, Sierra Leoneans are watching with optimism that this spirit of collaboration will set a new benchmark for democratic governance, dialogue, and sustainable peace across the nation.
