By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
The All-People’s Congress (APC) has announced the end of its boycott, confirming that its elected officials will return to Parliament and local councils. The party described the move as a step taken in good faith, in line with commitments made under an internationally backed agreement aimed at restoring full democratic governance.
The decision was made public in a statement issued on April 29 by Lansana Dumbuya, the party’s National Secretary General. According to the APC, the move follows conclusions reached after an assessment by so-called “International Moral Guarantors,” who reviewed progress on agreements designed to strengthen Sierra Leone’s political and governance systems.
As part of the directive, APC Members of Parliament are expected to resume attendance at the next parliamentary sitting, while all party representatives in local councils have been instructed to return to their duties immediately. The party says this will help restore full participation in decision-making and improve the effectiveness of elected institutions.
The APC emphasized that its decision is guided by its commitment to uphold the terms of the communiqué and to contribute to strengthening democratic processes. However, it was also made clear that its return is not unconditional.
The party is calling on the Government of Sierra Leone to demonstrate equal commitment by taking what it described as urgent and necessary steps. Chief among these is the tabling of the Agreement for National Unity before Parliament, which would allow for formal consideration of the Tripartite Committee Report.
In addition, the APC is urging the establishment of key parliamentary structures, including the Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, to support electoral readiness and institutional reform.
According to the party, these actions form part of a broader roadmap to rebuild trust and reinforce democratic governance. It stressed that cooperation from all sides is essential and should not be treated as optional if progress is to be sustained.
The APC’s return marks a significant shift after months of absence that affected legislative oversight and local governance. With Parliament set to reconvene, the re-entry of APC lawmakers is expected to influence debate, committee work, and the passage of important legislation, particularly on electoral reform and national unity.
In its statement, the party reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement, accountability, and reforms that support credible elections and national stability. It also called on government institutions and oversight bodies to act with urgency and sincerity in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Signed by Dumbuya, the statement concluded that the APC’s decision is driven by “the interest of peace, democracy, and the people of Sierra Leone,” while underscoring the need for mutual accountability and genuine reform efforts moving forward.