Sierra Leoneans are worried over the delay in the implementation of resolutions reached at the Bintumani Dialogue Communique between the Government of President Bio and the opposition All People’s Congress.
Investigations carried out by The Informant indicates that since 26th November 2023 attempted coup, the government seem to have lost interest in continuing with the Dialogue despite pressure from our international partners and moral guarantors, the United Kingdom, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The government, according to report is using the alleged coup attempt to slow down the progress on the much-needed electoral reforms in the country.
In his recent tweets Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh said “Sir, I am happy that in the 4-page document, your challenge is with one word. The government continues to look forward to engaging the APC on the way forward to full implementation. It would be great if APC could help all listed prisoners to return back to prison. Thank you, Sir”, a tweet that has received wider public condemnation accusing the Chief Minister of undermining the peace process.
However, the Co-Chair for the Cross-party Committee Dialogue, Dr Kaifala Marah from the APC has responded to David Moinina Sengeh tweets, noting that “Implementation update on the Agreement of National Unity” by Chief Minister @dsengeh is misleading under Resolution (3). Co-Chairs (APC & Govt of Sierra Leone) did not commit to provide “Feedback” on draft ToRs, but to start work today, ‘13th Dec. Govt did not show up. Unfortunately, the Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Review didn’t commence work today, 13th Dec ‘2023; we urge the Government of Sierra Leone to allow the process to begin.
Delaying tactics is unhelpful to the much-needed review”.
Political analysts monitoring the process have described the non-participation of the government as a plot to disturb and undermine the process of achieving it objectives of building peace and electoral reforms for the country.