By Sahrfoa Matturie
The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has imposed a fine on the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) following statements made during a recent mammoth party meeting, citing breaches of the Political Parties Act and regulations governing political conduct and public communication in Sierra Leone.
In a statement, the Commission said the remarks delivered at the gathering were considered inciting and fell below the standards expected of registered political parties and their representatives. The PPRC stressed that political parties have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that their activities and public engagements do not threaten public order, peace, or national cohesion.
According to the Commission, the decision to sanction the APC was reached after a thorough review of the content of the statements made during the meeting. The PPRC emphasized that its actions are consistent with its statutory mandate to regulate political party behavior and to prevent the use of inflammatory rhetoric that could heighten political tensions.
The Commission clarified that the fine is not intended to suppress political expression but to promote responsible political engagement. It noted that sanctions serve as corrective measures designed to encourage compliance with the law and reinforce democratic norms, especially during periods of heightened political activity.
The PPRC’s decision has generated public debate, particularly following a reaction from Zainab Sheriff, who was linked to the controversial statements. Sheriff has publicly disassociated herself from the APC, stating that she attended the mammoth meeting in her capacity as a member of the We Duti Organization, not as an APC member or official.
She maintained that her presence at the event should not be construed as formal affiliation with the APC and argued that any remarks attributed to her were made independently and outside the party’s official structures. Her clarification has sparked wider discussions about political accountability and the extent to which non-party actors who speak at party events can be held responsible under party and electoral regulations.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has invited the APC National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya, for questioning in connection with the incident. While the APC has confirmed that Dumbuya received an invitation from the CID, the party has not disclosed details regarding the specific nature or scope of the inquiry.
The development comes amid increased monitoring of political rhetoric by state authorities, as concerns grow over the potential impact of inflammatory language on national stability. Security and regulatory institutions have repeatedly warned political actors to exercise restraint and avoid statements that could inflame tensions or undermine the country’s fragile peace.
In response to the PPRC’s action, the APC acknowledged receipt of the sanction but expressed concerns over what it described as intensified scrutiny of opposition activities. The party has called for fairness, balance, and consistency in the enforcement of political regulations, stressing that democratic space must allow for dissent and robust political debate. The PPRC, however, has reiterated that all registered political parties are subject to the same legal framework, regardless of their political status. The Commission insisted that its interventions are guided solely by the law and are aimed at safeguarding democratic order, political tolerance, and peaceful coexistence in Sierra Leone.
