A coalition of leading civil society and media institutions has issued a strong rebuke against Hon. Lahai Marah of the All Peoples Congress (APC) after he publicly declared that he was ready to “fight,” “resist,” and even engage private military actors—comments made during a gathering in Falaba District on 15 November.
The groups say Marah’s words are reckless, inflammatory, and utterly irresponsible, particularly at a time when Sierra Leone is navigating fragile peace and pushing to strengthen democratic institutions. For a former Member of Parliament—and the current APC District Chairman—to issue such statements, they warn, is not only alarming but a direct threat to national security and public order.
The coalition is demanding that the APC’s national leadership immediately distance the party from Marah’s utterances and take firm disciplinary action to prevent a repeat of such dangerous rhetoric.
They also commended the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) for moving swiftly to invoke the law and act against the APC, urging the Commission to remain firm, impartial, and consistent in applying its mandate so as to avoid tensions or retaliatory actions that could destabilize the country.
According to the CSOs, Marah’s statements strike at the heart of the values Sierra Leone is trying to uphold—peace, non-violence, and lawful political engagement. At a time when the country is working hard to rebuild public confidence and reinforce democratic norms, they insist that political leaders must demonstrate restraint and responsibility, not stoke fear or division.
The signatories called on political actors, party supporters, and public influencers across the country to choose civility and patriotism over reckless language. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding peace and ensuring that Sierra Leone remains a nation where political competition never descends into intimidation, threats, or violence.
