Government Cleared 37 APC Members of Criminal Investigations
The Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has announced that 37 individuals from a list submitted by the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) are not subjects of any criminal investigations. The statement, signed by Attorney-General Alpha Sesay, confirms that those cleared are free to go about their normal business without interruption. This decision is part of the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity, signed on 18th October, 2023, between the Government of Sierra Leone and the APC.
The Tripartite Committee was established under the agreement to address deep political divisions following the disputed 2023 elections. Its creation aimed to review electoral systems, results management processes, and the work of relevant democratic institutions while also examining cases considered politically motivated. The committee’s work was central to easing tensions and fostering reconciliation between the country’s two main political parties.
As part of its mandate, the committee investigated the 2023 electoral cycle, highlighting deficiencies in election management bodies, outdated infrastructure, and governance gaps. It also reviewed criminal cases involving APC members to verify whether they were genuinely criminal or politically driven. This process informed Resolution 4 of the agreement, which focused on resolving politically sensitive cases.
The committee’s recommendations included reforms to strengthen the Electoral Commission, the Political Parties Registration Commission, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, along with proposed legislative changes. It also called for a national dialogue to review the electoral system before the 2028 general elections.
By clearing the 37 APC members of any criminal investigations, the government has taken a key step in fulfilling its unity pact. Observers say this move not only promotes political stability but also demonstrates a willingness to build trust, uphold justice, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic process.
