In a notable ceremony in Abuja, the All People’s Congress (APC) Chairman, Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, presented former President Ernest Bai Koroma with a digital identification and party registration certificate.
This event served as a heartfelt gesture of respect and recognition for Koroma’s invaluable contributions to both the APC and the nation of Sierra Leone. Former President Koroma, who led Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018 and previously held the position of Chairman and Leader of the APC, expressed profound gratitude to the party’s leadership for their thoughtful acknowledgment. He emphasized the significance of the recognition, particularly during a challenging period in his life.
During the presentation, Chairman Mansaray extolled Koroma’s leadership, stating, “We also recognize you as someone who has worked for Sierra Leone more than any other President. You took the APC from obscurity to a formidable political force. We will always hold you in high esteem and will not forget your legacies in a hurry.” This statement reflects the APC’s deep appreciation for Koroma’s impactful stewardship and enduring legacy within the party and the broader nation. The event comes at a time when Koroma is undergoing medical treatment in Nigeria.
A high-ranking delegation from the APC arrived in Abuja on Monday to visit the former president, demonstrating their solidarity and concern for his well-being. The delegation, which includes National Chairman Hon. Minkailu Mansaray, Deputy National Chairman, National Secretary General, and National Publicity Secretary, aims to connect with Koroma during his recovery. In their absence, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Bai Mahmoud Bangura, will oversee party affairs, ensuring that communication with the National Chairman remains seamless. In January 2024, Sierra Leone’s High Court permitted Koroma to travel abroad for medical treatment following serious legal troubles.
He faces charges of treason related to a failed coup attempt in November 2023, during which armed attackers assaulted military facilities and prisons, leading to over 20 fatalities and numerous prisoner escapes. The Sierra Leonean government has classified these violent incidents as an attempted coup, resulting in the arrest of several individuals, including members of Koroma’s security detail. Koroma’s departure to Nigeria has sparked speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding his relocation. Some sources suggest that a deal facilitated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Sierra Leonean government may have played a role in allowing him to seek medical care abroad, ostensibly to ease domestic tensions.
However, official sources have yet to confirm any such arrangement. As the APC delegation engages with Koroma in Nigeria, the party is committed to maintaining its operations back home. Acting National Organising Secretary Bai Mahmoud Bangura is tasked with ensuring ongoing communication and leadership in the absence of the National Chairman.
This situation highlights the APC’s dedication to both supporting its former leader and managing the party’s affairs amid significant political challenges. The interaction between the APC and Koroma underscores the complexities of Sierra Leonean politics and the enduring influence of its former president.
