A senior figure within the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Kasho Holland Cole, has publicly confirmed plans for a peaceful demonstration to State House, outlining both the motivations behind the protest and the composition of those expected to participate.
Speaking in an interview, Holland Cole who serves as Chairperson of the Western Rural District Council presented the planned march as a civic action rather than a confrontation. He emphasized that the demonstration is being organized to allow ordinary Sierra Leoneans to express growing frustrations over political decisions and worsening economic conditions. According to him, the protest will be conducted in a disciplined, non violent manner, with participants expected to maintain respect throughout.
Central to the planned protest is dissatisfaction surrounding the recent appointment of a National Electoral Commissioner. Holland Cole indicated that many citizens are uneasy about the decision and are calling for the commissioner’s resignation. However, he was careful to frame the march as broader in scope, arguing that it reflects accumulated public grievances that extend well beyond electoral issues.
Among the key concerns he highlighted are the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, inconsistent electricity supply, and delays in implementing recommendations from the country’s tripartite political dialogue process. He suggested that these challenges are affecting a wide cross-section of the population, making the protest a reflection of national sentiment rather than a narrowly defined political action.
In a notable move aimed at demonstrating transparency and commitment, Holland Cole revealed that close family members of APC officials including their children are expected to take part in the march. He explained that their involvement is intended to reinforce the peaceful nature of the protest and to show that organizers are confident in the safety and purpose of the event.
The demonstration is also expected to attract key figures within the APC, including individuals who contested for the party’s flagbearer position. Holland Cole mentioned Samura Kamara, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, as a potential participant, depending on his availability in the country at the time of the protest.
Interestingly, Holland Cole suggested that the issues being raised may resonate beyond party lines. He hinted that some members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) could also join the demonstration, reflecting what he described as shared concerns about the country’s socio-economic direction.
Throughout his remarks, he repeatedly underscored the importance of maintaining order and discipline. He assured that there would be no abusive language, inflammatory chants, or acts of violence during the march. Instead, he called on participants to conduct themselves responsibly, emphasizing that the goal is to communicate concerns directly to the nation’s leadership in a constructive manner.
Adding a lighter note, Holland Cole referenced conversations within his own household, joking that even his young child has been eagerly asking when the protest will take place an anecdote, he used to illustrate the level of anticipation surrounding the event.
At the same time, he issued a subtle challenge to fellow party members and supporters, stating that if the children of APC executives are not visibly present, others should reconsider their participation. This, he suggested, is part of ensuring accountability and reinforcing the sincerity of the organizers’ commitment to a peaceful process. As preparations continue, the planned march is shaping up to be a significant political moment, reflecting both organized opposition activity and broader public discontent. Whether it unfolds as intended may depend largely on adherence to the principles of peace and discipline that Holland Cole has strongly emphasized
