𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐋𝐏𝐏’𝐬 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐥

editorOctober 7, 20263 Mins read

There are moments when silence equates to betrayal, and speaking out becomes an act of patriotism. As the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) grapples with issues of ego, greed, and internal conflicts, veteran journalist and National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) Chairman, Mr. Sorie Fofana, has stepped forward. When Mr. Fofana addresses SLPP’s internal affairs, it’s essential for the party to pay attention.

In a recent conversation with Ecko Media, Fofana also the publisher of the Global Times and a steadfast observer of SLPP’s journey shared his serious concerns about the party’s deepening rifts.

“I am concerned about what is happening in the SLPP,” he stated. “We should promote what unites us and sidestep anything that breeds division.”

This straightforward yet profound advice carries the weight of years of political insight and could steer the SLPP away from a path of self-destruction.

Let’s face the facts: the real conflict lies within the SLPP itself. It’s no longer a fight against the APC; it has become SLPP vs. SLPP. Factions, cliques, and social media warriors have taken control. Daily, we witness expulsions, counter-expulsions, leaked audios, character attacks, and disputes over who qualifies as a “real” SLPPian.

The most recent casualty of this turmoil is Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawallie, a dedicated member whose contributions to the SLPP are undeniable.

Fofana addressed this situation candidly: “The issues surrounding Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawallie are very unfortunate. I have known Musa for a long time, and he is undoubtedly an SLPP member.”

This isn’t just an opinion; it’s a matter of truth. Hon. Tarawallie isn’t an outsider who suddenly jumped onto SLPP’s bandwagon. He’s fought alongside the party, made sacrifices, provided funding, and campaigned even when it wasn’t popular. Doubting his affiliation due to internal squabbles and jealousy is not just unfortunate, as Mr. Fofana rightly stated, it’s politically reckless.

Fofana serves as a reminder that the SLPP has a rich history. Established long before 2018, it is the oldest political party in Sierra Leone, having weathered wars, coups, exiles, and electoral setbacks. Its survival hinges on reconciliation rather than expulsion thanks to figures like Mr. Sorie Fofana, Dr. Sama Bayah, and Hon. Kanja Sesay, who recognized that unity is vital.

“The SLPP has endured internal strife before, but this depends on the leadership emphasizing unity over division,” Fofana asserted.

That’s the crux of the message. The pressing question now is: will the current leadership heed this advice?

Today, the SLPP national executive seems preoccupied with internal disciplinary issues while our country grapples with economic challenges, soaring youth unemployment, and widespread public frustration. Instead of prioritizing governance and delivering on promises made to the citizens, the party is embroiled in conflicts over executive elections, membership cards, and district control.

This is a classic blueprint for losing power. The APC didn’t lose the 2018 elections solely due to SLPP’s strength; they faced defeat because of their own division and arrogance. There’s a lesson here for the SLPP.

If the SLPP persists in alienating commitment from loyalists like Hon. Musa Tarawallie and endorses a politics of exclusion over inclusion, it will approach the 2028 elections as a fragmented and weakened entity. A divided SLPP stands little chance of victory.

Mr. Sorie Fofana is no ordinary party supporter. He stands close to the Presidency, is a respected elder, and chairs a critical institution like the NCRA. He has defended this government through challenging times. When someone of his stature expresses concern, both State House and Wallace Johnson Street must take note and reflect.

His counsel is both clear and urgent:

1. Cease the pointless disputes over membership.

2. Halt the expulsions and suspensions.

Embrace reconciliation and concentrate on what unifies the party its commitment to social democracy and service to the people rather than what drives a wedge between members.

With the 2028 elections fast approaching and the opposition regrouping, the public is watching closely. The SLPP cannot risk being perceived as a party that turns against its own.

It is our hope that the National Chairman, the Secretary General, the Bo School of Politics, and, most crucially, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, the party leader, will heed Mr. Sorie Fofana’s wise advice.

For what divides the SLPP today will certainly jeopardize its future.