In a tweet by the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone David Bryan Hunt, he praised all the stakeholders including the principal ones namely the SLPP government of Julius Maada Bio and the main opposition APC party led by Dr Samura Kamara for the progress made during the conference held yesterday regarding the Tripartite Committee investigations among other issues. Also, Sierra Leone came to a standstill after the people in bated breath stayed at home waiting for the Tripartite outcome. (Photo: Bio welcomes the international delegation).

It was agreed after the heated deliberations that the government and the APC party would commit to the full implementation of all the 8 resolutions in the Agreement for National Unity. In the joint press statement signed yesterday at State House where both the SLPP regime and the main opposition APC party stressed for peace and national unity, the people of Sierra Leone were delighted that progress was made. Also, Sierra Leone came to a standstill after the people in bated breath stayed at home waiting for the Tripartite outcome. (Photo: US Envoy Hunt flanked by Dr Samura Kamara and Minkailu Mansaray. And APC Co-Chair on Tripartite Dr Keifala Marah, left).

But some Sierra Leoneans who did not understand what happened were downhearted and, some even cried. Presently, the Tripartite Committee is preparing to complete the final recommendations as both the APC party and the SLPP party signed the commitment to continue the Resolution Three which centres around the examination of the fraudulent June 24, 2023 elections. The renewed reaffirmation by both parties to commit to the full implementation of the Resolutions came about after the SLPP regime through the ECSL dragged its feet for so long. Also, Sierra Leone came to a standstill after the people in bated breath stayed at home waiting for the Tripartite outcome.

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone ECSL led by the crook Chairman Mohamed Kenewui Konneh has been given a second chance to behave for their own benefit. Ambassador Hunt noted: “I am pleased to join President Bio for an update on progress within the Tripartite Commission. The progress made to date is truly impressive, and the Embassy congratulates the commission for its achievements and the spirit of national unity that has characterised its work.

“We equally applaud the President’s wise decision to extend the commission’s mandate briefly to allow it to finalize its historic task. We share the public’s eagerness to see the final report and urge all to remain patient and allow the commission the time and space required to carry out its mandate with the thoroughness and serious deliberation that such a monumental undertaking requires,” the American envoy David Hunt concludes his tweet yesterday. It was agreed that only ten days would be given to complete the recommendation process. Also, Sierra Leone came to a standstill after the people in bated breath stayed at home waiting for the Tripartite outcome. Below is the full statement signed at State House yesterday thus –

Joint Statement by the Government of Sierra Leone and the All Peoples Congress (Triparite Committee) 19^th June, 2024, New Brooksfield Hotel, Freetown

The Government of Sierra Leone GOSL and the APC are pleased to announce that both parties resolve to continue working together in the spirit of cooperation and mutual commitment to electoral justice, electoral reforms, peace and national cohesion.

Commitment to the Implementation of Resolution Three of the Agreement for National Unity

Both the GOSL and the APC reaffirm their dedication to the work of the Tripartite Committee, which was established under Resolution Three of the Agreement for National Unity. The Committee’s mandate is to “examine the electoral systems, structures, and processes of the 2023 multi-tier electoral cycle. The Committee will also be informed by previous elections with a view to highlighting and addressing the contentious issues of elections and results management including the collation, verification, authentification and publishing of electoral data consistent with international best practice to enhance the credibility of all future elections in Sierra Leone that guarantees elections to be free, fair, and credible.”

Progress and Future Steps

The Tripartite Committee has made significant progress over the past six months, including the completion of its Terms of Reference TOR, the development of key documents, outreach activities with stakeholders national and the engagement of international experts. The Committee’s work focused on elections management, institutional, and legal reforms. The Committee is now in the final stages of its work and is committed to completing and presenting a comprehensive report to the President of Sierra Leone.

Strengthening Inclusive Democracy

Both parties look forward to the implementation and reforms, which will play a vital role in enhancing the conduct of elections in a free, fair and transparent manner and in strengthening an inclusive democracy in Sierra Leone. The GOSL and the APC believe that these efforts will contribute to the continued development and stability of the nation.

Commitment to the Agreement for National Unity

The GOSL and the APC reiterate their unwavering commitment to peace, electoral justice, and national cohesion. Both parties strongly condemn any attempts to incite or disrupt the democratic process. The GOSL and the APC further commit to the full implementation of all resolutions in the Agreement for National Unity.

Conclusion

The GOSL and the APC express their gratitude to development partners, experts and moral guarantors who have supported this process. We urge all stakeholders and citizens to join us in maintaining peace and supporting the crucial electoral reforms that will shape the future of our country. Together, we are committed to building a stronger, more inclusive, and democratic Sierra Leone.

Signed

*Government of Sierra Leone GOSL

*All Peoples Congress APC