The National Young Congress (NYC) of the All Peoples Party (APC) officially launched its regional tour themed “tour for peace, unity, and reconciliation” at the APC Headquarters Old Railway Line Brookfields on Wednesday, 16th October 2024.

The well-attended event was attended by media practitioners, a cross-section of the National Executive, Regional and District Executives, party supporters and sympathizers, members of the APC, and Honourables. The essence of the occasion was a bold step taken by NYC to unify the party. Abdul Karim Sankoh, the PRO of NYC, recalled when the former President, Ernest Bai Koroma, made his remarks at Parliament, stating that he would lay his life for the young people.

Sankoh mentioned that this statement led to young people occupying strategic positions within the party. He commended the National Executive for providing opportunities for young people to thrive within the party, noting that 90 percent of positions are held by young people. He highlighted the youngest running Honourable, Cherrnoh Ramadan Ban, known as Chericoco, and the young and energetic leadership in Parliament. Sankoh appreciated the National Executive for empowering young people within the party.

The Chairman of the event, Madieu Deen Borbordeen, in his opening remarks, thanked the former President for paving the way for young people and expressed gratitude to the National Executive for their guidance. He condemned the use of abusive language towards the former President and the National Executive, urging young people to refrain from such acts or face consequences.

Borbordeen stated that the party’s leadership is at a crossroads and a difficult time, affirming their support for the National Executive during this trying period. He assured them of full participation in the upcoming census and vowed to mobilize youths to participate, emphasizing that they would not let the National Executive handle it alone.

The NYC diaspora representative, Haja Mariama, pleaded with party stakeholders to come together for a united party and to move forward, emphasizing its importance. She thanked the current leadership of Ansu Bernard for their efforts to unify leadership both at home and abroad. Mariama highlighted the events undertaken by the diaspora, including the fundraising event in Belgium last year, which funded the party’s activities for the last General Election. She mentioned that this year’s event would be held in Holland, with plans for next year in the USA. Mariama encouraged everyone to trust the party’s process for the betterment of all.

NYC Secretary General Ibrahim Bai Tarawalie spoke passionately about the purpose of the regional tour, stating that it is a major step towards peace. He believes that they are the people who bring sanity to the party, which is why they have taken the lead. He mentioned that party activities have been delayed due to the Tripartite agreement, leading them to diversify the work of the party, which has resulted in the registration process. He urged people to register and emphasized that the motive of the peace tour is to address the issue of young people attacking the National Executive on social media. He emphasized the importance of supporting the grassroots and the electioneering process. He urged the Executive to implement their suggestions in order to attract more members to the party, and pleaded for the youth to be remembered. He stressed the need for everyone to follow party structures and concluded by saying that the party cannot progress without the youth.

NUAS President Musa Conteh acknowledged the end of his leadership tenure and emphasized the need for the party to respect its constitution. He mentioned that they were supposed to conduct their election last month but believes that the election is a process. He stated his support for the party, not for individuals, and mentioned that NUAS members have stopped begging National leaders and have focused on upholding their integrity. He expressed willingness to work with the NYC whenever called upon.

NYC President Ansu Bernard thanked his predecessors for making their work easier and assured the National Executive that he will respect the core values of the party. He emphasized the importance of a united party and urged young people to refrain from attacking the leadership on social media. He warned that such actions could hinder the progress of the party and emphasized the need for respect towards those in strategic positions. He assured that under his leadership, the resolutions and recommendations of the Tripartite agreement would be implemented for the progress of the country. He called for unity within the party and stated that the fate of the country lies with the APC. He commented on tribal issues, stating that Themne and Mende people do not hate each other and expressed the readiness of the young people to bring the party to power.

Publicity Secretary of the Honourable APC at Parliament, Unpha Koroma, expressed disbelief at the energy spent on attacking National leaders and thanked the NYC for taking a stand against this behavior. He assured the NYC of the support of APC Members of Parliament in this crusade.

National Secretary General Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya mentioned that past leaders may have had disputes but all united in their purpose to see a united and strong APC. He urged members to redirect their energy towards the common enemy, the SLPP, rather than attacking their own party.

He said that they are there to launch a peaceful tour, and it will be a fruitful tour that will unite the party more than ever before. He stated that no matter how Maada Bio and the SLPP are thinking, APC is the next party in governance and there is nothing anyone can do about it. All of this will happen if the youths are ready, as they cannot do it alone, and the youth are the foot soldiers for the APC to take governance. He highlighted how people are supporting individuals to divide the party, emphasizing that primary support should be for the party, not individuals. He urged young people to expose the bad governance of the SLPP instead of bashing the party. He confirmed that in the 2025 Housing Census, APC will not boycott it and will participate fully throughout the process. He stated that the government did not want to implement the Tripartite recommendations because they did not favor them, but they will ensure that all recommendations are implemented. He gave insight into the moral guarantors who met with them yesterday regarding the implementation process. He urged people to stop playing “munku” politics and encouraged NUAS to hold a peaceful election and be responsible. He warned members to uphold the party constitution. In conclusion, he expressed his gratitude to those defending the party and the National Executive.