
12/09/2025
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has announced a leadership change in its representation under the Agreement for National Unity, replacing former presidential candidate Dr. Samura Kamara with Dr. Kaifala Marah as Chief Negotiator.
The agreement, signed in the aftermath of the disputed June 2023 elections, was a political settlement between President Julius Maada Bio’s government and the APC. It paved the way for the creation of the Tripartite Committee on Electoral Systems Review and opened a channel for sustained inter-party dialogue.
Although the APC has not explained why Dr. Kamara was relieved of the role, party insiders suggest the decision is part of efforts to strengthen its negotiation strategy.
Dr. Marah, who initially declined to endorse the final accord despite being part of the negotiating team, will now lead discussions on the implementation of its key provisions.
What is the Agreement for National Unity?
The Agreement for National Unity was signed on 18 October 2023 between the Government of Sierra Leone (led by the Sierra Leone People’s Party, SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) after tensions following the June 2023 general and presidential elections.
It was the outcome of a three-day mediated dialogue (16-18 October 2023) facilitated by various mediators including the African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth, and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC).
The goal was to resolve the political impasse between SLPP and APC arising after the disputed or contested outcome of the 2023 elections.