By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio has received a delegation comprising senior officials of the All People’s Congress (APC) and members of the family of the late National Chairman, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, who paid a courtesy visit to State House on Thursday, June 18, 2026, to express appreciation for the Government’s support following his death.

The late APC National Chairman passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal, after an illness that had attracted concern from political leaders and supporters across the country.

The delegation, led by Acting APC Chairman Hon. Osman Foday Yansaneh, thanked President Bio for what they described as his compassionate response and swift intervention following the passing of the veteran politician.

Speaking on behalf of the APC leadership and the bereaved family, Hon. Yansaneh said the President had demonstrated genuine concern for the late chairman during his illness and had promptly directed Government support to facilitate the repatriation of his remains.

“Your Excellency, we are here today as representatives of the APC and members of the immediate family to sincerely thank you for your compassionate approach and swift action following the passing of Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray. Your prompt instructions for the repatriation of his remains have been greatly appreciated by the family and the entire APC membership,” he stated.

He added that the President’s continued concern for the late politician’s well-being throughout his illness had been deeply appreciated and provided comfort to the family during a difficult period.

Responding to the delegation, President Bio extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), and the people of Sierra Leone, describing the late APC National Chairman as a distinguished statesman whose service to the nation transcended political divisions.

“We have lost a great man whose contributions to national development and democratic governance will be remembered for generations. His passing is not only a loss to his family but also to the APC and the nation as a whole,” President Bio said.

The President noted that Hon. Mansaray played an important role in Sierra Leone’s democratic and political development and would be remembered for his commitment to public service.

Earlier, President Bio had held a solemn meeting with the APC leadership and members of the Mansaray family, during which he personally conveyed his condolences and expressed profound sorrow over the death of the veteran politician.

According to the President, moments of national grief should serve as a reminder of the importance of unity, compassion and solidarity beyond political affiliations. He stressed that the passing of prominent national figures calls for collective reflection and respect from all Sierra Leoneans.

President Bio further assured the delegation that the Government would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that the late APC National Chairman receives a dignified and befitting funeral.

“As a Government, we will stand by you and provide the necessary support to ensure that Hon. Mansaray is accorded the dignified funeral he deserves. Once again, I extend my sincere condolences to the family and the APC leadership. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

The APC leadership and family members welcomed the President’s gesture and expressed appreciation for the Government’s commitment to supporting funeral arrangements during what they described as a difficult and emotional period.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, civil society organizations, supporters and citizens across Sierra Leone since news of Hon. Mansaray’s death emerged. Many have remembered him as a respected political figure who dedicated many years to strengthening democratic participation and advancing the interests of his party.

As funeral preparations continue, Sierra Leone joins the Mansaray family and the APC in mourning the loss of one of the country’s most prominent political leaders, whose contributions to national politics and democratic governance will remain an enduring part of the nation’s history. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/bio-receives-apc-delegation-pledges-dignified-farewell-for-late-minkailu-mansaray/