Freetown, July 13 — The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) leadership has held internal discussions with its National Elders Council on the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma from exile, with the party emphasizing national unity, constitutional order and dialogue.
SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa said he and Deputy National Chairman Robert K. Kargbo met with members of the National Elders Council, which he described as the party’s “moral guarantors” under Article 12 of the SLPP’s 2020 Constitution.
Songa said the meeting was aimed at updating the elders on his engagements with the SLPP Parliamentary Leadership and President Julius Maada Bio regarding developments involving former President Koroma, including parliamentary discussions on the matter.
He said the discussions focused on ensuring that parliamentary and government actions are guided by the Constitution of Sierra Leone while upholding due process and promoting peace, stability and national cohesion.
According to Songa, the engagement formed part of wider consultations within the party involving senior members and elders, including Sama Banya, Joe Blell, Kona Koroma, KES Boyah, M.A. Sandy and Alpha Kanu, among others, as the party considers issues relating to national unity.
The SLPP Chairman added that President Bio’s role as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also informed discussions on regional principles relating to constitutional order, democratic governance and the peaceful resolution of political differences.
He referenced the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which promote constitutional processes and democratic stability among member states.
Songa said the National Elders Council encouraged the party’s executive and members at home and abroad to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity and inclusive national dialogue.
He further stated that President Bio has demonstrated a commitment to peace and reconciliation, citing his role in Sierra Leone’s peace process and efforts by his administration to promote dialogue and national cohesion.
Songa expressed hope that President Bio would be remembered for his contribution to peace, democratic governance, national unity and the continued progress of Sierra Leone.
The discussions come amid public interest in former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return from exile. The All People’s Congress (APC), Koroma’s party, has not publicly stated its position on the latest developments.
