The United States Embassy in the country has officially accepted the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) joint statement on Monday 3rd June, 2024 condemning hate speech and advocating for constructive political dialogue.

According to a very reliable report, the signing of the joint statement by the two traditional political parties comes sixteen days to the release of the final report of the Election Review Committee on Wednesday 19th June, 2024.

The U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone is fully in support of the efforts of the two political parties which, according to report, align with the Agreement for National Unity to promote peace, social cohesion and democracy in the country.

Prior to the signing of the joint statement, both SLPP and APC raised serious concern over the escalation of tensions in political discourse at home and abroad.

The Agreement for National Unity seeks to peacefully and respectfully resolve political differences; strengthen democratic institutions; resume regular cross-party dialogue; and, unite Sierra Leoneans across all divides.

This aforesaid pledge reflects both political parties’ shared dedication to advancing the country’s broader national interest.

Though SLPP and APC are in full support of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press as fundamental rights that uphold democracy, they recognized that these rights come with responsibilities.