By Mahamood Fofana
Ibrahim Boureh Barrie has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Young Congress Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) in Bombali District, positioning himself as a candidate focused on youth empowerment, party unity, and grassroots mobilization.
The announcement, made through his Facebook page, marks the beginning of his campaign to lead the APC’s youth wing in the district. Barrie said his decision was motivated by a desire to deepen youth participation in party affairs and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the APC.
Currently serving as Deputy Secretary of the Young Congress in Bombali District, Barrie noted that his years of service within the party have provided him with valuable insight into the concerns, aspirations, and challenges facing young people across the district.
“I seek this office not for personal recognition, but for collective progress,” he stated, adding that his vision is to build a united, active, inclusive, and respected Young Congress capable of advancing the interests of young party members while supporting the broader objectives of the APC.
Barrie highlighted a long record of political engagement within the party, tracing his involvement back to his university days. While studying at the University of Makeni, he served as Public Relations Officer of the National Union of APC Students (NUAS-UniMak) and later held the position of Deputy Public Relations Officer for Friends of D Red.
He also cited his role in establishing the APC Progressive Fula Youths, an initiative aimed at promoting political participation and inclusion among Fula youths within the party. According to him, the initiative contributed significantly to strengthening political representation and helped pave the way for the election of the first Fula Member of Parliament in Bombali District.
Beyond politics, Barrie outlined an impressive academic background. He attended Alharrkan Islamic Primary School and Saint Francis Senior Secondary School before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Makeni. He later pursued postgraduate studies abroad, obtaining a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Peking University in China, followed by a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from the University of Sierra Leone.
Professionally, Barrie has accumulated more than seven years of teaching experience, instructing students in Government, History, English, and French across schools in Bombali District. He has also been actively involved in advocacy and development work as a child rights advocate and Communications Lead for The Ibrahim Foundation.
Reflecting on his political journey, Barrie acknowledged his unsuccessful attempt to secure the APC symbol for a councillorship position ahead of the 2023 elections. However, he stressed that the setback only strengthened his commitment to the party and its ideals.
Despite the disappointment, he remained actively involved in party mobilization, campaign activities, and grassroots engagement throughout the district, demonstrating what he described as unwavering loyalty to the APC.
As he formally enters the race for Young Congress Leader, Barrie has called on party supporters, youth groups, and stakeholders across Bombali District to rally behind a shared vision of unity, inclusiveness, and progress.
His declaration is expected to generate considerable interest within APC ranks as the party continues its internal organizational processes and preparations for future political engagements in the district.
With youth participation increasingly viewed as a critical factor in shaping the APC’s future, the contest for the Young Congress leadership is likely to attract significant attention from party members and observers alike.
