Dr. Richard Konteh Appeals for De-Polarization in Sierra Leone’s Politics

In recent days, video clips circulating on social media have revealed troubling rhetoric from a campaigner of a flagbearer aspirant of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), and separately, from a vocal SLPP supporter. These individuals have, in full view of the public, demeaned the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), and made brazen references to vote rigging as a means of keeping the SLPP in power.

Such statements are not only irresponsible—they are dangerous. They fan the flames of political division, deepen mistrust among citizens, and strike at the very heart of our fragile democracy.

As a nation still healing from years of conflict and polarization, Sierra Leone cannot afford this toxic politics of hate, provocation, and tribal partisanship. We cannot let inflammatory rhetoric derail our hard-won peace and the democratic gains we have made as a people.

I therefore strongly condemn these utterances in no uncertain terms. Political competition must never be reduced to insults, threats, or the manipulation of our electoral systems. Sierra Leone deserves better.

I appeal to all political actors, supporters, and citizens—regardless of party affiliation—to rise above the politics of division and embrace a new political culture anchored in mutual respect, national unity, and democratic integrity.

We must choose de-polarization.

We must build bridges, not walls.

We must promote dialogue, not division.

We must respect institutions, not undermine them.

My Unifier Campaign is built on this conviction: that Sierra Leone’s future depends on leaders who heal rather than hurt, who listen rather than lash out, and who govern not for party, but for people.

Let us reject tribalism and vote-rigging schemes. Let us reaffirm our commitment to free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections.

To my fellow political leaders: The tone we set today will define the country our children inherit tomorrow. Let’s choose unity.

May God bless Sierra Leone and guide us on the path of peace, justice, and national rebirth.

Dr. Richard Konteh

The Unifier