In a major development signaling progress in the ongoing national reconciliation process, the Government of Sierra Leone has cleared 37 individuals affiliated with the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of any criminal investigations, reaffirming its commitment to the full implementation of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU).
The move comes pursuant to Resolution 4 of the ANU, which was signed between the Government and the APC on 18th October 2023 as part of efforts to foster national cohesion, post-election stability, and democratic governance.
According to an official statement, the Government, acting on recommendations from the Resolution 4 Oversight Committee, has reviewed a list submitted by the APC and determined that the named individuals are not subjects of any ongoing criminal investigations. As such, they are now free to resume their normal lives and business activities without fear of arrest or interference.
Among the 37 individuals cleared is Alpha Sheriff, a former U.S. Marine and popular APC figure also known as “APC Sheriff,” whose case had drawn significant public and media attention.
In a separate statement released today, the Leadership of the APC in Parliament acknowledged and welcomed the Government’s actions, describing them as a “significant step forward” in the ongoing engagement with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
The APC leadership confirmed that, following a recent courtesy visit to the President, the long-standing backlog of emoluments owed to APC Members of Parliament has now been paid in full. The payment, they noted, represents a positive signal of the Government’s willingness to uphold the principles of inclusivity, mutual respect, and national reconciliation.
“We view this as an encouraging development,” the statement reads, “and a testament to the spirit of collaboration that the Agreement for National Unity seeks to foster.”
However, the APC made clear that while this progress is appreciated, the party remains committed to advocating for the full and timely implementation of all provisions of the agreement — especially the release of political prisoners within the shortest possible timeframe.
“We believe this action will further consolidate trust, heal divisions, and strengthen the foundation for lasting peace and democratic governance in our beloved nation,” the statement continued.
The APC also used the opportunity to call on the Government to address the backlog of emoluments owed to APC council chairmen and mayors across the country. “This,” the statement noted, “would be a tangible step towards building trust and reinforcing the cooperation necessary for genuine national unity.”
Observers see these developments as a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s post-election reconciliation journey. With 37 individuals cleared and financial obligations to MPs fulfilled, pressure now mounts for both parties to maintain momentum and stay the course toward implementing the full set of provisions outlined in the historic Agreement for National Unity.
