By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, has on March 14, 2025 praised the Government of Sierra Leone and the All People’s Congress (APC) for their unwavering commitment to implementing the Agreement for National Unity. He highlighted the significance of this progress in fostering national cohesion, democratic governance and justice.

"We stand in support of efforts that promote peace, stability and unity, and we look forward to further advancements in strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions," Ambassador Bryan David Hunt stated.

The ambassador also congratulated the Government and the APC for successfully implementing Article IV of the Agreement for National Unity. He emphasized the importance of reinforcing public confidence in the judiciary, ensuring that courts can deliver justice impartially and fairly for all Sierra Leoneans.

On March 6, 2025, Ambassador Bryan David Hunt met with leaders from both the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the APC during his visit to Falaba. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s democratization and urged full implementation of both the Agreement for National Unity and the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations on electoral reforms. Stressing the shared interests of both nations, he underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in Sierra Leone.

It could be recalled that in a significant move towards national reconciliation,  the Government dropped all charges against ten APC members previously accused of various crimes, including murder and arson. That decision, announced during an ongoing proceeding at the High Court in Makeni, aligns with Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity.

The charges were dismissed based on a list provided by the opposition APC and all ten individuals were immediately discharged and released from custody. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice reiterated the Government's commitment to fully implementing the Agreement for National Unity, describing the move as a vital step in bridging political divides and fostering national harmony.

Also, as part of the process, charges against Councillor Sheku Alhassan Gibril Turay, commonly known as Councillor Ice T, a prominent APC member, were dropped.

The U.S. Embassy expressed optimism about further releases as the implementation process continues, emphasizing the importance of strengthening trust in the judiciary. In a statement shared on Twitter (X), the Embassy noted: "Congratulations to the Government and the All Peoples Congress on the progress made today in the implementation of Article IV of the Agreement for National Unity. Continuing to build confidence in the courts’ ability to deliver justice for all Sierra Leoneans is a key step on the journey towards enduring democratic reform."

Freetown’s Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, also welcomed the latest developments, expressing hope for continued progress in implementing Resolution 4 and achieving lasting peace.

The latest developments highlight Sierra Leone’s dedication to democratic reforms and reconciliation, signaling a promising path toward long-term stability and unity in the country.