We, members of Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM-Global), hereby issue this Press Statement for the attention of the International Community, Development Partners for Sierra Leone, and Friends of Sierra Leone, following the release of the report of the Tripartite Committee, established to investigate the June 24, 2023 multi-tier elections in Sierra Leone, amongst others. From the Committee’s findings and report, it is no longer a secret that significant malpractices, discrepancies, mathematical inconsistencies and procedural failures that severely compromised the integrity of June 24, 2023 electoral process have been uncovered, thereby calling into question the continuing tenure in office of Mr Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, Chief Electoral Commissioner and his Commissioners, all Heads of Electoral Management Bodies and the legitimacy of the incumbent government. (Photo: Dr Veenod Fullah, Chairman of SLAM).

Sierra Leoneans at home and in the Diaspora have been deceived and disappointed by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the blatant disregard for international best practice and standards in the conduct of the said elections, details of which were clearly articulated in the Tripartite Committee’s report, backed by concrete empirical data. In this modern age, it is a legitimate demand for evidence and accountability in electioneering processes; therefore, the people of Sierra Leone deserve to live in a nation where democracy is not just a concept but a living reality, upheld by transparent and fair elections, with emerging governments earning legitimacy, as well as practicing democratic principles and the rule of law.

It is worth noting that the violations of democratic and political principles by the ECSL, as clearly outlined in the report, were too alarming and egregious. The only way to correct such malpractices is through ‘electoral justice’, ensuring that the behaviour and patterns that led to these violations are judiciously addressed/corrected and the culprits brought to book. We would wish to sound a note of caution, at this juncture, that judging from the historical pattern of noncompliance with recommendations in Sierra Leone, those of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established after the 11 years civil war, being a typical example, there is no guarantee that the recommended legal and institutional reforms will be implemented. (Photo: Maada Bio and Dr Samura Kamara at State House recently).

It would also be a disservice to our compatriots and our nation if we failed to express our disappointment and dissatisfaction with the behaviour of Ambassador Bryan David Hunt, Ambassador of the United States of America to Sierra Leone. Amb Hunt’s frequent appearances at the local media houses and his unfortunate and flippant statements over the political situation in our beloved nation are unacceptable. His recent public outbursts are deeply concerning, especially when they are mainly related to the outcome of the June 24, 2023 elections in Sierra Leone that could best be described as an ‘electoral coup d’etat’.

This is a matter that is now being vigorously pursued with his Principals in Washington, considering the volatile nature of the situation that could lead to a return to civil war in Sierra Leone. In view of the above, we call upon all Political Stakeholders, the International Community, Development Partners and Friends of Sierra Leone to ensure the following:

1. Administration of ‘Electoral Justice’ in Sierra Leone. 2. Establishment of an independent ECOWAS body to conduct re-run or fresh elections, if necessary, that will guarantee fairness, transparency and compliance with democratic principles, based on international best practice & standards. 3. Immediate release of all political prisoners being unjustly detained due to trumpedup/politically motivated charges and convictions. 4. Implementation of all recommendations of the Tripartite Committee in order to prevent future electoral malpractices in our beloved nation. 5. Stakeholders’ continuous engagement with the Nation of Sierra Leone in order to ensure that democratic principles are upheld and the voices of the people are genuinely reflected in the governance systems. 6. It is once again stated, in no uncertain terms, that the time for action is now. We cannot afford to let these violations go unchecked. The future of Sierra Leone’s democracy depends on our collective efforts to ensure justice, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles. Failure to act swiftly now is a recipe for a return to civil war in Sierra Leone, a scenario that will have ripple effects in the sub-region and the rest of Africa. A stitch in time……!

SIGNED

Dr Alfred A Veenod Fullah CHAIRMAN CC:

The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General

The Secretary of State, United States Department of States

Richard YOUNG, Chief de Division, Afrique de l’Ouest

Ms Ursula Von Der Lyen, European Commissioner

The United Nations Representative in Sierra Leone

The Chief Executive Officer, Carter Center

Justice Keith Sullivan

H.E Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria & Chairman of ECOWAS Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM-Global) Motto: Trust, Unity and Social Justice Email: slamglobal24@gmail.com Mobile: +447725982424/+447564115946

H.E Oumar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission

Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former VP of The Gambia

Nana Akufo Addo, President of Ghana

H.E Bassiru Faye, President of Senegal

H.E Mamadi Doumbouya, President of Guinea

H.E Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia

David W D Cameron, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Dev Affairs, UK

Ms Ursula Von Der Lyen, European Commissioner

The Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell, British Minister responsible for Africa

Lynn Brown, Shadow Minister for Africa, UK

Neil Alan John Coyle, MP for Bermondsey & Old Southwark, UK

Ambassador Aly Diallo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the UK&I H.E Cyprian Terseer Heen, Acting Ambassador of the Nigeria High Comm. in the UK&I

Ambassador of the USA to Sierra Leone

British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone

Head of the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone

General Consul of Canada in Sierra Leone

Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Germany to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Lebanon to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Iran to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Brazil to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Sweden to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Iran to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Cuba to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Libya to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Egypt to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Cuba to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Guinea to Sierra Leone

Ambassador of Liberia to Sierra Leone

High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone

High Commissioner of Ghana to Sierra Leone

General Consul of Italy in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul-General of Ireland in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul-General of India to Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Senegal to Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Syria in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Turkey in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Mali in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Romania in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Norway in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of France in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Belgium in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Spain in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Serbia in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Austria in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Denmark in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Russia in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Pakistan to Sierra Leone Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of South Africa in Sierra Leone

Honorary Consul of Guinea-Bissau in Sierra Leone Vice Consul of Greece in Sierra Leone

Chairman, Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion ICPNC – SL

The Chairperson, National Elections Watch (NEW), Sierra Leone

Executive Secretary, Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Sierra Leone

Chairman of the APC Party

Chairman of the SLPP Party

National Secretary-General, APC Party

National Secretary-General, SLPP Party

Co-Chair Representing the APC Party on the Tripartite Committee

Co-Chair Representing the SLPP on the Tripartite Committee.

Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM-Global) Motto: Trust, Unity and Social Justice Email: slamglobal24@gmail.com Mobile: +447725982424/+447564115946 July 4, 2024