Leading APC flagbearer aspirant, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, solemnly marked the anniversary of Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war in Kailahun district, reflecting on the nation’s painful past. It was in Bomaru, a border town in Kailahun, that on 23 March 1991, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) led by Foday Sankoh fired the first shot, igniting a devastating conflict that claimed over 50,000 lives, displaced millions, and left the country in ruins.
A scholar in peace and conflict resolution, Dr. Bangura used the occasion to engage with his fellow Kailahun residents, particularly APC supporters, reflecting on the lessons of history and how Sierra Leoneans can work together to prevent the recurrence of past ills.
During a well-attended DIB Movement meeting in Kailahun Town on Monday, Dr. Bangura led a moment of silence to honor not only the outbreak of the civil war but also the thousands who lost their lives during the conflict.
Highlighting Kailahun’s historical significance and the suffering the district endured during the war, Dr. Bangura noted that his academic research on the role of women in peacebuilding brought him to Kailahun numerous times. He expressed a personal connection to the district, saying it holds a “special place” in his heart.
He praised APC supporters for their dedication and commended former President Ernest Bai Koroma for infrastructural achievements, including the district’s road network, pipe-borne water project, and main hospital.
Dr. Bangura’s reflective approach, rare in post-war Sierra Leone, drew considerable goodwill. By choosing this day to engage with the people of Kailahun and foreground the lessons of history, he distinguished himself from competitors and reinforced his commitment to thoughtful leadership.
Addressing party matters, Dr. Bangura called for unity, reflection, and renewed commitment among APC faithful. He lauded supporters in Kailahun for their loyalty and sacrifices and urged them to remain disciplined and united to secure victory in the 2028 elections.
The meeting, hosted by APC Regional Chairman Comrade Stanley Moiwo Maya Kaikai, brought together newly elected ward leaders, current executives across all ten constituencies, and key regional stakeholders. Chairman Kaikai said the gathering aimed to reaffirm Kailahun’s continued support for Dr. Bangura’s leadership aspirations.
A highlight of the event was the address by APC regional strongwoman Finda Diana Konomanyi, who publicly endorsed Dr. Bangura for the first time. She urged delegates to prioritise leadership qualities such as humility, vision, and the ability to deliver for the people, describing Dr. Bangura as the candidate who embodies these traits.
The meeting concluded with renewed calls for unity, discipline, and sacrifice within the APC as the race for the party’s flagbearer position intensifies.
