BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a significant development within Sierra Leone’s political landscape, Madam Susan Bona, a prominent figure within the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) party, has tendered her resignation. Bona, who previously declared her intention to vie for the party’s flag bearer position during the 2023 Presidential Election, announced her departure in an official letter addressed to the APC leadership on Monday, April 29, 2024.
Bona’s decision to resign stems from what she perceives as a profound misalignment between the party’s current trajectory and the core principles that initially drew her to the APC. Notably, she lamented the escalating toxicity within the party’s politics, marked by instances of violence, tribalism, and regional discrimination, particularly targeting the Mende and Kono tribes.
In her resignation letter, Bona expressed her deep-seated commitment to contributing positively to Sierra Leone’s discourse and development, a commitment initially fueled by the vision of equality and national rebranding championed by former President Ernest Koroma. However, she asserted that the party’s failure to address these critical issues convincingly signaled a departure from its foundational values.
Bona’s departure represents a significant loss for the APC, as she was the first and only female candidate to declare for the highly contested flag bearer race. Her resignation underscores growing concerns about the direction of the APC and its ability to uphold principles of respect, unity, and national cohesion.
Born and raised in the stronghold of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Kono and Kailahun districts, Bona faced considerable challenges for aligning herself with the APC. Despite facing humiliations, she remained resolute in promoting the party’s ideals, particularly in the South and Eastern provinces.
Bona’s contributions to the APC, particularly in supporting development activities in Kono, Kailahun, and beyond, have been widely acknowledged. Her departure marks a significant loss for the party, highlighting the need for introspection and reaffirmation of its core values amidst shifting political dynamics.
As Bona embarks on a new path aligned with her values and vision for Sierra Leone, her departure serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the APC and the broader political landscape in the country.
Madam Susan Bona’s decision to resign from the APC underscores a broader concern about the party’s direction and its ability to uphold its founding principles in the face of internal challenges and shifting political dynamics.
