By Sylvester Samai
The All People’s Congress (APC), one of Sierra Leone’s leading political parties, has announced plans for an unprecedented international seminar set to take place in The Gambia from December 19th to December 22nd, 2024. The gathering promises to be not only the largest APC assembly held outside of Sierra Leone but also a crucial step toward galvanizing support and strategizing for the party’s return to power in 2028.
Spearheaded by APC’s public relations officer abroad, Ishaka Barrie, known popularly as “Political Barrie,” this event is anticipated to be a landmark moment for the APC, as it seeks to strengthen its foundation, build international support, and solidify a clear path to victory.
At the core of this seminar lies a vision to unify APC members, both locally and abroad, under a shared purpose: revitalizing the party and positioning it as the top choice for Sierra Leoneans in future elections. Political Barrie has emphasized that the seminar will serve as a powerful rallying point, bringing together APC affiliates, diaspora leaders, and supporters to collectively discuss the party’s objectives, goals, and strategies.
Barrie’s words echo a sense of urgency and opportunity: “This will be the largest APC gathering outside of Sierra Leone, and it will give us a chance to come together as a cohesive unit. It’s time to leverage the strengths of our diaspora, coordinate effectively, and build a pathway for our party’s success.”
This event isn’t only about unifying the APC’s global network but about transforming that unity into practical strategies and actions. By bringing the APC diaspora community together, the seminar aims to harness the knowledge, resources, and dedication of supporters worldwide, strengthening the party’s foundation. Key Objectives: Building Strength and Securing Financial Support.
The APC’s seminar will focus on two key objectives: increasing party cohesion and securing financial support. For a political party aiming to secure substantial wins in upcoming elections, these are two pillars on which success must stand.
Strengthening Party Cohesion and Strategy: As the APC seeks to reinforce its party structures; a major focus will be on fostering deeper connections between its branches and affiliates across continents. The international seminar will bring together members of different backgrounds, professions, and regions, creating a melting pot of ideas and perspectives.
A comprehensive roadmap for the APC’s future is expected to be laid out, encompassing everything from voter outreach strategies to policy development. Party leaders will engage attendees in discussions on party values, vision, and policies that resonate with the concerns of Sierra Leonean citizens. This is seen as a significant move in empowering members with the necessary tools and knowledge to advance the APC’s mission globally.
Securing Financial Support: Recognizing the critical role of financial resources in political campaigns. The APC aims to secure financial intervention during the seminar. It is an open call to Sierra Leonean professionals, business leaders, and supporters worldwide to contribute to the APC’s cause. The party’s success depends heavily on a well-funded campaign, and the seminar will serve as a platform for supporters to understand why their financial contributions are essential for the APC’s impact and ability to reach the electorate back home.
The party believes that a successful financial drive abroad could bridge the gap in campaign resources, allowing it to sustain various initiatives within Sierra Leone. From voter mobilization to media engagement and infrastructure support, adequate funding is indispensable to ensuring APC’s mission resonates on the ground.
The choice of The Gambia as the seminar location is symbolic. Known for its rich history of political resilience and democratization efforts, The Gambia serves as an inspiring backdrop for APC’s ambitions. Gathering there reflects the APC’s own aspirations for renewal and transformation, as it seeks to demonstrate that the strength of Sierra Leonean political organizations is not limited by borders.
The international setting provides a unique opportunity to gather a diverse array of voices that can often be challenging to unite within Sierra Leone’s local context. As the APC moves into this critical phase, having members converge from the United States, Europe, Asia, and other African nations brings a dynamic blend of ideas that could redefine the party’s strategies.
Ishaka Barrie has articulated that The Gambia’s proximity to Sierra Leone underscores the nexus between home and the Diaspora; a symbolic gesture emphasizing that even as Sierra Leoneans spread globally, they remain in close touch with their roots and national aspirations. Barrie’s leadership in organizing such a large-scale event further reflects his commitment to maximizing the APC’s potential across the diaspora.
Historically, political organizations in Sierra Leone have often struggled to fully capitalize on the support and potential influence of their diaspora networks. For APC, this seminar is an opportunity to change that narrative. The Sierra Leonean diaspora has long been recognized as a powerhouse of influence, with members often deeply invested in their country’s future. With this seminar, APC is seeking to not only engage but empower the diaspora as ambassadors, capable of driving the party’s message forward, recruiting new supporters, and creating awareness about APC’s goals.
In mobilizing its members abroad, the APC is also demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion. It recognizes that the challenges Sierra Leone faces require insights and solutions that extend beyond traditional methods. The seminar will provide a platform for addressing contemporary issues like economic empowerment, youth engagement, and the use of digital tools for political outreach.
Beyond the immediate goals of increased cohesion and financial backing, the APC sees this seminar as the first step in a broader vision for 2024 and beyond. The party’s leadership is well aware that electoral success requires more than popular slogans and symbolic gestures; it requires a systematic approach, one that builds from the ground up, setting the foundation for a robust, sustainable political force.
Through this seminar, APC aims to show the Sierra Leonean people that it is a forward-looking party committed to addressing the realities of today while preparing for the demands of tomorrow. For APC supporters, this event will be an affirmation of the party’s readiness to listen, learn, and evolve, qualities essential for leadership in the current political landscape.
While the seminar marks an exciting opportunity, the APC acknowledges the challenges ahead. Sierra Leone’s political climate is more competitive than ever, with parties needing to work harder to earn public trust and support. The APC understands that returning to a position of influence will require careful navigation of political dynamics, especially as it seeks to maintain its identity while adapting to the evolving aspirations of Sierra Leone’s youth, professionals, and civil society groups.
However, Ishaka Barrie and his team see these challenges as opportunities for growth. By fostering discussions that address both internal party dynamics and the expectations of Sierra Leoneans, the APC is positioning itself as a responsive and adaptable entity.
As the APC’s seminar in The Gambia approaches, it is clear that this event is more than just a gathering; it is a bold statement of intent. Under the leadership of committed figures like Ishaka Barrie, the APC is sending a message to Sierra Leone and the world that it is prepared to do what it takes to reclaim its place as a leading force in Sierra Leonean politics.
With the promise of renewed unity, strong financial backing, and a clear vision, the APC is taking decisive steps toward its goals. For supporters and party members alike, the seminar in The Gambia represents a historic opportunity to witness and contribute to a transformational moment in APC’s journey. It is a testament to the resilience, determination, and ambition that have always been the backbone of the APC. As December 19th approaches, all eyes will be on The Gambia, waiting to see what unfolds and how this ambitious gathering shapes the future of Sierra Leone’s political landscape.