On Sunday, the Magburaka Town Field erupted in a carnival of colour and sound as Dr Ibrahim Bangura arrived in a sweeping motorcade to a thunderous welcome from thousands of supporters. Drum Beats, red-and-white banners, and chants greeted the candidate as he took the stage, framing his return to Tonkolili as both personal and political.
“Being in Tonkolili feels like coming full circle,” Dr Bangura told the audience, referring to family ties and long-standing relationships in the area. He reminded listeners that his stepmother is from Tonkolili and that he has previously worked with many of the district’s sons and daughters. He reminded listeners that his stepmother is from Tonkolili and that he has worked with many of the district’s children over the years.
The candidate emphasised that the reception he received in Tonkolili was more than just a local endorsement; it was proof that his national movement had taken root among ordinary people there. He praised the palpable energy and unity on display, saying the reception demonstrated “the spirit of Sierra Leone is alive in Tonkolili.”
Dr Bangura emphasised the strategic geographical importance of the district during his speech. He cited Tonkolili’s road network, which connects nearly seven other districts. He argued that improving those connections could have a transformative impact on daily life, easing transportation, commerce, and access to services for ordinary people.
He also emphasised Tonkolili’s agricultural potential, urging massive investments to improve food security and reduce hunger in Sierra Leone.
However, the speech did not gloss over the country’s ongoing challenges. Dr Bangura spoke candidly about power outages, inadequate health-care systems, deteriorating roads, widespread poverty, and a growing chasm between citizens and their leaders.
“Sierra Leone has a lot of work to do,” he said, warning that division and rancour would stymie progress. He called for unity, urging everyone in Sierra Leone, regardless of region or political affiliation, to participate in national development efforts.
Dr Bangura was unambiguous about his motivation for running for the APC flagbearership and presidency. He emphasised that his ambition is motivated by a desire to “touch and change lives,” rather than to accumulate wealth or settle political scores. “This campaign is not about fighting the past, but about shaping the future,” he told supporters, promising to replace toxic, divisive politics with leadership founded on respect, decency, and a focus on people’s needs.
Dr Bangura thanked the APC District Chairman, Tonkolili’s party executive, and all stakeholders for their sacrifice and commitment in a show of humility and party unity.
He urged supporters to remain loyal to their party while putting the country ahead of partisan interests, reminding the audience, “Salone big pass party.”
As the sun set behind the hills surrounding Magburaka, chants of “DIB! DIB! DIB!” echoed across the field, and the motorcade’s dust settled. Many Tonkolilians saw the day as not only a welcome for a returning figure, but also a symbolic turning of the wheel: Tonkolili, the candidate declared, had come “full circle,” and the movement he leads appears to be gaining new momentum.
