By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
The National Elders Council of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has called for all parliamentary and government actions relating to former President Ernest Bai Koroma to be guided by the Constitution of Sierra Leone, with emphasis on due process, national unity, peace, and stability.
The position was expressed on Monday during a meeting in Freetown between the Council and the SLPP National Chairman, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, and Deputy National Chairman Robert K. Kargbo. The Elders were briefed on recent engagements between the party’s parliamentary leadership and Party Leader President Julius Maada Bio regarding parliamentary developments involving former President Koroma, who is also the leader of the All People’s Congress (APC).
Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa informed the Elders that the discussions focused on ensuring that state actions remain within constitutional limits while safeguarding national cohesion. He reminded members that the SLPP has a historic responsibility, having played a role in Sierra Leone’s independence and in supporting peacebuilding efforts following the country’s eleven-year civil war.
He stressed that the party must continue to promote democratic governance, respect constitutional processes, and uphold national unity.
The meeting also considered Sierra Leone’s regional obligations under the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. Sir Batilo Songa noted that these frameworks emphasize constitutional order, democratic principles, and the peaceful resolution of political differences.
He further reaffirmed President Bio’s commitment, both as SLPP Party Leader and Chairman of ECOWAS, to promoting peace, stability, and national cohesion through constitutional and democratic means.
The National Elders Council called on the SLPP leadership, executive members, and supporters at home and abroad to support initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive dialogue, reconciliation, and unity. The Council also recognized the responsibility of all political actors, including the APC, to contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the country.
In its statement, the Council referenced President Bio’s previous peacebuilding efforts and described ongoing engagements relating to matters involving former President Koroma as part of broader national reconciliation efforts.
The Elders concluded by expressing hope that President Bio would be remembered for his commitment to peace, democratic governance, national unity, and Sierra Leone’s continued development.
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) remain the country’s two major political parties. The SLPP National Elders Council serves as the moral guarantors of the party under Article 12 of the SLPP 2020 Constitution.
The ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance establishes regional standards on constitutional rule, democratic governance, elections, and the peaceful resolution of political disputes across West Africa.