By Mackie M. Jalloh
The All People’s Congress (APC) has appealed to the Government of Sierra Leone to permit former President Ernest Bai Koroma to attend the funeral of the party’s late National Chairman, Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, describing the occasion as an important moment of respect, unity, and remembrance.
The appeal was made by APC National Publicity Secretary and spokesperson, Sidie Yayah Tunis, during an interview with Truth Media following the passing of the veteran politician whose death has been widely mourned by party supporters and political stakeholders across the country.
According to Tunis, the late Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray and former President Koroma shared a longstanding political relationship that extended beyond party politics and evolved into a close personal bond built over many years of service to the APC and Sierra Leone.
Tunis described the late APC Chairman as one of the most loyal and dedicated political allies of the former President, noting that both men worked closely together throughout some of the party’s most significant political moments.
“The late Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray was like a brother to former President Ernest Bai Koroma. They practiced politics together for many years and shared a very close relationship. It would be very difficult and painful if the former President is unable to attend the funeral of someone who meant so much to him,” Tunis said.
He stressed that the request is being made in the spirit of compassion and national unity, emphasizing that funeral ceremonies are important cultural and social events that allow families, friends, and associates to pay their final respects to loved ones.
While acknowledging that formal discussions with government authorities may not yet have commenced, Tunis appealed to the government to consider granting the former President the opportunity to participate in the funeral proceedings.
According to him, allowing Koroma to attend would not only honor the memory of the late APC National Chairman but would also demonstrate goodwill and promote national cohesion at a time when many Sierra Leoneans continue to call for greater political reconciliation.
Tunis further stated that the presence of the former President would provide comfort to members of the APC family who are mourning the loss of a respected leader who played a significant role in the growth and development of the party.
He noted that Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray dedicated much of his life to public service and party organization, earning the admiration of supporters across different political divides.
The death of the APC National Chairman has generated an outpouring of tributes from party members, political leaders, friends, and sympathizers who have described him as a committed politician, experienced administrator, and influential figure within Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
Observers say the funeral is expected to attract a large gathering of APC supporters and dignitaries from across the country who will come together to celebrate his life and contributions.
Political analysts have also suggested that granting the former President permission to attend the funeral could serve as a symbolic gesture of national unity and respect during a period of mourning.
As preparations for the funeral continue, many APC supporters remain hopeful that the appeal will receive favorable consideration, allowing former President Ernest Bai Koroma to join family members, friends, party officials, and supporters in paying a final tribute to a man widely regarded as one of the party’s most dedicated leaders.
For now, the APC leadership continues to mourn the loss of Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray while awaiting any response regarding the request for the former President’s participation in the funeral rites.
