Mackie M. Jalloh: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 17 October 2024:
The All People’s Congress (APC), Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, has made a pivotal announcement, declaring that Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, its 2023 presidential candidate, is no longer the leader of the party.
This decision was broadcast on AYV Television’s Wake Up Sierra Leone show, where APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Sidi Yayah Tunis, confirmed the move.
The unexpected development has stirred debate within the party and among political observers about the future of the APC and Kamara’s role in shaping the political landscape of Sierra Leone.
Citing Section 47 of the APC Constitution, Tunis explained that the party had invoked this provision to make the decision. However, during the televised announcement, Tunis did not provide a detailed interpretation of this section, leaving room for speculation about the specific legal reasoning behind the move.
Dr. Samura Kamara (Photo: Right, with President Bio on the left), who ran against President Julius Maada Bio in the highly contested June 2023 elections, has long been one of the APC’s most influential figures. His leadership and public appeal garnered him substantial support, making him a key player in Sierra Leone’s politics.
For several years, Kamara has embodied the party’s resistance against the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), and his removal from the leadership position signals a significant shift in the APC’s internal dynamics.
The timing of this decision is notable, as it comes in the wake of the APC’s electoral defeat and amid a broader period of reflection and restructuring within the party.
After losing the presidential race to the SLPP in 2023, the APC has faced mounting pressure to reinvent itself and align its leadership with the evolving demands of its support base. However, the removal of Kamara, a figure associated with the party’s legacy, suggests that deeper fractures within the party’s leadership structure may be emerging.
The APC’s move to replace Kamara raises numerous questions about the party’s strategic direction, as it must now find a new leader capable of unifying its members and rallying its supporters ahead of future elections.
While some within the party view Kamara’s exit as necessary to open the door for new leadership, others believe his removal might weaken the party’s stance at a time when it needs stability and cohesion.
Political analysts have pointed out that this decision could create new opportunities for ambitious figures within the APC to assert themselves as potential candidates for the 2028 elections.
However, without a clear succession plan or communication from the party, uncertainty looms over who will assume the mantle of leadership.
The APC will need to act quickly to clarify its next steps, as any prolonged ambiguity could further fragment the party at a time when it must work to rebuild trust and momentum.
Speculation is rife that the APC’s internal power struggles may have played a role in Kamara’s ousting. It is no secret that various factions within the party have jostled for influence in the wake of the 2023 electoral loss, and Kamara’s departure could reflect the culmination of those tensions.
While Kamara remains a well-known figure in Sierra Leonean politics, his removal could mark the end of an era for the APC, signalling that the party is ready for a generational shift in leadership.
As news of Kamara’s removal spreads, political commentators are closely watching how the APC handles the fallout. Dr. Kamara himself has not yet publicly commented on his removal from the leadership role, leaving many to wonder what his next political move will be.
His future actions, whether he chooses to remain active within the APC or pursue a different path, will likely have lasting implications for the party’s trajectory.
As Sierra Leone’s political landscape evolves, the APC must navigate this critical moment carefully to avoid further internal discord and position itself as a viable alternative to the SLPP.
With Kamara no longer at the helm, the party faces the difficult task of identifying a leader who can both uphold the party’s values and appeal to the wider electorate.
Political turbulence is accelerating in the APC political landscape.
Was he leader of the APC or the party’s chosen flag bearer in the past two general elections? He could theoretically have another crack of the whip whenever another election comes up literally for grabs. However, the pedigree and credence of a wimp-cum-opposition leader with a cavalier attitude to salient and germane national issues which most suffering Sierra Leoneans are passionate about have always been questionable.I hope it is the end of the road for the man from Kamaloo who could not score with an open goal begging. I believe time and tide are not on his side irrespective of whatever pro quid pro gentleman’s agreement he has in place with Bio for them to play musical chairs and treat Sierra Leonean people as total mugs with the utmost contempt.
I will never forget how he trivialized a question about the runaway inflation in the country during one election rally last year by misogynistically suggesting to a female questioner a reduction of the dowry payments to women. Not everyone is interested in dowries which is a relic of an anachronistic institution of marriage. People care only about their daily bread and butter.
I hope the octogenarian or soon to be octogenarian enjoys his retirement from the “blood sport” of politics. He is surely not made of sterner stuff; he has absolutely no fire in the belly and is not capable of putting any one’s toes let alone feet on a fire to feel his political presence, clout and chutzpah.
Dr. Samura Kamara was part of the APC Team which plunged us into socio-economic mess, the sooner he departs as APC’s National Leader the better for APC and Sierra Leone. He is a good follower but a poor and bad leader. PAOPA-SLPP’s Maada-Bio continues tilting our decline at a steeper angle. Seton During, London
The APC is now facing the biggest disappointment in life. Dr Kamara is the man of the moment. APC – ready to receive tne ever not forgotten surprise……… lonta