By Mahamood Fofana
Tensions have escalated within the Bombali District chapter of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), following a formal warning issued to the party’s former District Secretary-General, Abubakarr Taal, over what the current executive describes as conduct detrimental to party cohesion.
In a statement dated 28th February 2026, the district leadership accused Taal of engaging in what it termed “inflammatory and disrespectful conduct,” alleging that his recent actions and public utterances have undermined party unity at a critical time. The release indicates that the dispute stems from a protracted disagreement between the former scribe and the current district executive, headed by Chairman Alhaji Sorie I. Fofana.
According to the executive, the situation has persisted despite efforts to manage the disagreement through internal mediation. The statement suggests that multiple attempts were made to address concerns privately using established party conflict-resolution mechanisms, but these interventions reportedly failed to yield a sustainable resolution.
The district leadership further alleged that Taal’s actions included criticisms and remarks perceived as targeting senior members and national figures within the party. While specific details of the alleged comments were not elaborated in the public statement, party officials characterized the behavior as inconsistent with the principles of discipline and collective responsibility expected of senior party stakeholders.
Chairman Fofana emphasized that the public caution was not the preferred course of action but became necessary after internal avenues were exhausted. He underscored the importance of maintaining unity within the district, particularly as political dynamics intensify nationally. He also called on the national leadership of the SLPP to step in and provide guidance or intervention aimed at restoring cohesion within the Bombali District structure.
In response, Abubakarr Taal rejected the allegations, describing them as “unfounded and lacking contextual balance.” In his own statement, he maintained that he holds all senior national authorities and party leaders referenced in the dispute in high regard. Taal argued that differences within political organizations are not unusual and should be addressed constructively through dialogue rather than through public pronouncements that may exacerbate internal tensions.
He further urged the district executive to prioritize reconciliation and adherence to established party procedures for dispute resolution. According to him, transparent engagement and mutual respect remain the most effective pathways to safeguarding the integrity and unity of the party at the district level.
The unfolding dispute highlights the broader challenges political parties face in managing internal dissent while preserving organizational stability. Whether the national leadership will formally intervene remains to be seen, but stakeholders within the district are closely watching developments as calls for mediation grow louder.
