By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A major shakeup within the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) has seen Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy, officially removed from his position as Chairman of the Independent Elections Monitoring and Oversight Committee (IEMOC).

The decision was announced in a Public Notice issued by the National Secretary-General (Outgoing) on July 21, 2025, Umaru Napoleon Koroma. According to the notice, the leadership of the SLPP has appointed Ambassador Mohamed Yangawo as the new Chairman of IEMOC. He will now be responsible for supervising the conduct of the elections for National Officers during the upcoming National Delegates Conference, scheduled for July 30–31, 2025.

The statement emphasized that all matters related to the national officers’ elections should henceforth be directed to Ambassador Mohamed Yangawo and his committee.

While no official reason was given for Dr. Denis Sandy’s removal, the announcement marks a notable shift in the internal electoral arrangements of the party. The replacement is seen as a move to ensure transparency and smooth coordination in the buildup to the party’s highly anticipated national conference.

The notice was copied to the National Leader, Deputy National Leader and members of the IEMOC, signaling a coordinated transition at the party's highest electoral oversight level.

Observers are closely watching developments ahead of the conference, which is expected to shape the future leadership direction of the ruling SLPP.

It should be noted that Dr. Denis Sandy has been facing mounting pressure from Civil Society Organizations following the release of an investigative report dated April 2, 2025. The report, compiled by a judicial panel comprising Hon. Justices Glenna Thompson (JSC), F.B. Alhadi (JA) and Monfred Sesay (JA), revealed troubling findings concerning the issuance of fictitious court orders within the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, in which Dr. Denis Sandy was directly implicated.

According to the report, Dr. Denis Sandy secured a fraudulent divorce certificate, known as a “Decree Absolute,” without ever initiating a legal divorce process. The investigation found that he did not file a petition, engage a lawyer or appear before a court. Instead, he allegedly conspired with an unqualified individual named Magnus Coker to bypass proper judicial procedures and obtain false documentation.

The panel described Dr.Denis Sandy’s testimony as “unimpressive and unreliable,” criticizing his “cavalier approach and lack of respect for the rule of law.” It concluded that he was “an active participant in this fraudulent act” and recommended that he be referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for further investigation.

In reaction, a coalition of prominent Civil Society Organizations, including the Campaign for Good Governance, Citizens Advocacy Network, Citizens’ Barray, Freedom Hub, Institute for Governance Reform, Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice and The Lawyers’ Society issued a joint statement on May 4, 2025, calling for Dr. Denis Sandy’s immediate resignation or suspension.

“As Minister of Works, Dr. Denis Sandy occupies a position of immense public trust,” the statement read. “His involvement in such a scandal undermines public confidence in governance and the credibility of the judiciary.”

The organizations urged President Julius Maada Bio to take decisive action by removing Dr. Denis Sandy from his ministerial position if he fails to step down voluntarily. They emphasized that accountability must be upheld, especially as the nation prepares for key political and democratic events.

“Allowing him to remain in office amid such serious allegations would set a dangerous precedent and damage the integrity of public institutions,” the statement warned.

The group further echoed the judicial committee’s recommendation for widespread reform within Sierra Leone’s judicial system to prevent future misconduct and ensure that all individuals involved in the scandal are held accountable.

As of the time of this report, neither Dr. Denis Sandy nor the Ministry of Works and Public Assets has responded publicly to the allegations or his removal from the SLPP oversight committee.

The unfolding situation is being closely monitored as civil society continues to demand transparency and justice. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/dr-denis-sandy-stripped-of-slpp-iemoc-chairmanship-ahead-of-national-delegates-conference/