It would appear that the All Peoples Congress (APC) party in Kono is facing a new dawn; a new direction aimed at galvanizing support for the party through grassroots engagements and the consolidation of solidarity of the party’s campaign programmes ahead of the 2028 elections. This initiative as it would appear is to be undertaken by the Kono Active Support Team otherwise known as KAST.
No doubt, the image and popularity of the APC party in Kono is at a crossroads from within due to the party’s disconnection with its grassroots supporters in the nooks and crannies of the district.
Kono District is certainly not short of a power base; it is not short of the possibility of reclaiming the district politically, because the writings are clearly on the walls that the incumbent Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) has failed Kono beyond expectation. The maxim “Kono Matters” the SLPP party took to lure and blindfold the people of that district has proven to be a misnomer; a complete falsehood just aimed at getting their votes. Today, the district has been euphemistically transformed into proxy battle ground by the very SLPP that has failed the people. Today, an estimated eight hundred (800) young men and women of Kono are languishing and out of jobs because of the so-called unfortunate advocacy intervention of First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio in the industrial impasse between Koidu Holdings and its staff. Koidu City, and by extension, Kono District has slipped into economic nemesis.
This was a political move that has gone disastrously bad for the people; it was aimed at securing a major political goal in place of the SLPP’s misplaced and never to be fulfilled promises to the people.
The call by the Kono Active Support Team (KAST) “in paving the way for the APC in Kono” is a welcome initiative if the party teams up unequivocally with KAST to bring down the shadows limited party’s effectiveness in the district, mending fragmentation, strengthening its weak coordination across the district, reconnecting and consolidating its connection with the grassroots across every nook and cranny. By all indications, these will foster the change, the political change that the people of Kono District are so eagerly yearning for. In the words of the Chairman of KAST, this change should and must come from within and it must start now. KAST is redirecting the APC party to refocus its energy on unity, vision, and responsibility and regaining of political power in 2028.
SEE STATEMENT BELOW
STATEMENT FROM KAST CHAIRMAN AT A DINNER AND DIALOGUE NIGHT IN KOIDU CITY ON 7TH JUNE, 2025 ON THE THEME: PAVING THE WAY FOR THE APC IN KONO
Distinguished National Executive Members of the All People’s Congress (APC),
Respected Regional and District Executives,
Honourable Minority Leader of Parliament,
Honourable Members of Parliament from Kono District and other Districts,
Flagbearer Aspirants and Intending Running Mates,
Esteemed Members of the Young Congress and Women’s Congress,
Leaders of Affiliate Groups and the Council of Elders,
Our Valued Constituency Chairmen and Ward Committee Members,
Friends, Party Loyalists, Stakeholders, and Comrades in the APC:
On behalf of the Kono Active Support Team (KAST), it is with deep honour and genuine appreciation that I warmly welcome you all to this important Dinner and Dialogue Night under the timely and strategic theme: “Paving the Way for APC in Kono.”
This evening is not just about a meal or a meeting, it is about a movement; a movement that creates the opportunity for reflection, reconnection, and realignment of our energies for the future of the APC and the future of KAST and Kono District.
The Kono Active Support Team (KAST) was born out of deep reflection following the 2023 general elections. During that period, many of us experienced firsthand the challenges that limited our party’s effectiveness in Kono, including fragmentation, weak coordination, and lack of grassroots connection. We realized that change wouldn’t come from outside, it had to start with us.
KAST is a platform built on unity, vision, and responsibility. It is composed of committed APC loyalists from across Sierra Leone and the Diaspora, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, seasoned administrators, contractors, MPs entrepreneurs, and specialists from every walk of life. Our membership spans all regions, districts, and ethnic groups; a true reflection of APC’s national character and Kono’s diverse heritage.
KAST is proud to be affiliated with the District, Regional, and National APC structures, maintaining strong coordination and open communication with all levels of the party. However, we are independently organized, driven by high moral standards, integrity, and personal commitment to party and country.
We are financially self-sustained, funded through voluntary contributions by our members and supporters — people who believe in doing politics with purpose, not profit. This independence gives us the freedom to act fairly, support good leadership, and work with all genuine APC members without bias or influence from personal interests.
The aims of KAST are rooted in service and strategy:
- To strengthen the APC’s presence and performance in Kono through inclusive mobilization and honest dialogue.
- To bridge the gap between the grassroots and the party leadership, ensuring every supporter feels seen and heard.
- To support the party ideologies, promote issue-based campaigns, and restore confidence in party structures.
- To empower youth, women, and marginalized voices within the party.
- To bring professionalism and planning into political organizing, using our skills, networks, and resources for the good of the party and people.
Our Hope for Kono – With KAST and APC
We believe that Kono can rise again — but only if we work together. A united Kono within a united APC will not just win elections but will bring lasting development, better representation, and restore pride to our district.
KAST offers itself as a partner, not a competitor. We are here to complement party structures, to support leaders with vision and integrity, and to ensure that no ward, village, or voice in Kono is left behind.
We encourage all of you, our Flagbearer aspirants, Members of Parliament, Youth and Women Leaders, Constituency Executives, Affiliate Groups and Elders — to see KAST as an asset. Work with us, walk with us, and trust that together, we can build something powerful and enduring.
Presentation of Key Projects by KAST & District APC Executive
Distinguished guests, members of the APC National Executive, Regional and District Executives, Flagbearer aspirants, MPs, affiliate groups, and respected elders:
In line with our collective vision to strengthen the APC’s presence and impact in Kono District, KAST, in close collaboration with the District APC Executive, it’s pleasing to present the following strategic projects that we are committed to implementing—and for which we seek your partnership, support, and collaboration:
- Facilitation of Lower-Level APC Elections
We believe that strong structures begin at the grassroots. To enhance party organization and accountability:
- KAST, with the District Executive, plans to support the logistics, mobilization, and coordination required for peaceful and transparent lower-level elections in Kono.
- These elections are critical in preparing the party machinery ahead of future national engagements.
We humbly request technical and financial support from the National Executive and affiliates to ensure this process is inclusive, peaceful, and well-resourced.
- Emergency Support to Storm-Affected Towns and Villages
Following the recent heavy storm, several communities in Kono have been left devastated—homes destroyed, farms lost, and livelihoods disrupted.
KAST and the District APC team propose to:
- Mobilize relief assistance (zinc sheets, food, water, basic tools)
- Engage community volunteers in clean-up and reconstruction
- Establish a Disaster Relief Fund with support from APC stakeholders and development partners
We invite our leaders and partners to join this humanitarian effort, as it will not only show solidarity but also restore dignity and hope to our people.
- Rehabilitation of a Major Street (Kondewa Street) in Koidu City
Koidu’s poor road condition, particularly of a major inner-city street like Kondewa Street, continues to affect mobility, sanitation, and business operations.
Our initiative involves:
- Conducting a community-led road rehabilitation campaign
- Engaging local engineers, youth, and contractors
- Partnering with city council and technical bodies for sustainable implementation
We appeal for engineering support, equipment, and materials to make this project viable. A visible improvement in our city infrastructure will reflect positively on our party’s leadership and vision.
- Poultry Farm Development Project
In our drive to create sustainable livelihood opportunities, especially for youths and women, KAST is spearheading a poultry farm project.
Key objectives include:
- Producing affordable eggs and poultry locally
- Providing job opportunities for local youths
- Generating income to fund other community-based APC initiatives
We are seeking start-up capital, technical guidance, and market linkages to launch and scale this project.
Conclusion and Call for Support
These projects reflect our deep commitment to development, empowerment, and party growth in Kono. We believe that with your partnership—our flagbearer aspirants, national and regional executives, affiliate groups, and private sector allies—we can transform these plans into real impact on the ground.
We thank you in advance for your support, contributions, and endorsement, and we look forward to working together to pave the way for a stronger APC in Kono District and beyond.
Together, we can. Together, we will.
To the National, Regional, and District Executives of the APC, we thank you for your tireless service and support.
To the Constituency Chairmen, Youth Leaders, Women’s Congress, and Affiliate Groups across Kono and the nation — we deeply appreciate your dedication and collaboration.
To our party’s leadership in Parliament and our Honorables MPs from Kono — thank you for standing strong for our people.
We say to all of you tonight — KAST is here, not just to participate, but to contribute, to unite, and to pave the way for APC in Kono.
Let us move forward — together, stronger, and wiser.
Thank you, and once again, welcome.