The United States Embassy in Freetown yesterday Wednesday 18th October, 2023 urged Sierra Leone to strengthen institutions as both the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) political parties are essential to the survival of democracy in the country.

The US Embassy emphasized the critical role of strong and constructive opposition in maintaining democratic institutions. They expressed growing concerns regarding the absence of the APC from the local and national elected bodies in Sierra Leone, deeming it a burgeoning crisis.

The statement reads: “Democratic institutions cannot long survive without a robust, constructive opposition. The continued absence of the APC from the local and national elected bodies is a growing crisis. Leadership and compromise will be essential to ensure that the ongoing mediation dialogue resolves this impasse and moves Sierra Leone forward.”

This declaration underscores the Embassy’s call for leadership and compromise to address the political impasse and foster national progress through mediated dialogue.

This statement has garnered attention both domestically and internationally, sparking discussions about the state of democracy in Sierra Leone and the necessity of a strong opposition for its sustenance.

The hope is that this message will encourage political leaders to come together and find a solution to the current situation, ultimately strengthening the country’s democratic foundations.

Meanwhile, the three-day mediated dialogue between the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) at the Bintumani Hotel Ballroom in Aberdeen, Freetown, ended yesterday. However, the outcome of the dialogue was not known as we went to press. But we shall publish details of the outcome of the mediated dialogue in our subsequent edition tomorrow.