By Saidu Jalloh
United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, has called on Sierra Leoneans to transcend political party affiliations and prioritize national unity and progress. In a recent interview on African Young Voices (AYV) Television’s program Wake Up Sierra Leone, Ambassador Hunt addressed the pervasive influence of political parties on civil societies and pressure groups, advocating for their independence.
Discussing the recent Sierra Leone Bar Association elections, Ambassador Hunt emphasized that these elections should focus on leadership that upholds the rule of law, human rights, and equal treatment before the law. “There is no APC or SLPP way to uphold the rule of law; there is just the rule of law,” he asserted, urging that professional and civic organizations should remain free from partisan interference.
Ambassador Hunt also expressed concern about the deep-seated political divisions infiltrating various facets of society, including religious institutions. He recounted hearing that political rivalries between the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) have even affected church and mosque management committees.
Highlighting the danger of tribal and regional affiliations dictating political loyalties, Hunt relayed conversations with well-educated Sierra Leoneans who felt compelled to align with political parties based on their tribal or regional backgrounds. He labeled this mindset as perilous and divisive, urging citizens to identify as Sierra Leoneans first.
Ambassador Hunt further criticized the current political climate, where opposition ideas are automatically deemed bad, and those from one’s own party are seen as infallible. He called for a shift in perspective, stressing that national issues should be viewed through a non-partisan lens to foster true progress in Sierra Leone.
Concluding his interview, Hunt reinforced the need for Sierra Leoneans to break free from the cycle of political partisanship and to engage in nation-building activities that transcend party lines. He underscored that achieving sustainable development and national unity requires a collective effort untainted by political bias.
