Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, the presidential candidate for the APC (All People’s Congress) has recently declared that the fight for electoral justice in Sierra Leone is real, alive and ongoing—and that nothing can stand in its way.
But beyond the sound bites, what does his message mean for Sierra Leone’s democratic future? How should citizens, political institutions, and international partners respond to his appeal for justice, peace, and national restoration?
Dr. Kamara didn’t sugarcoat the trauma of June 24, 2023. “It was not just an election,” he said with passion and pain, “but a day democracy was stolen again from Sierra Leone.” These were not empty words. They encapsulated the frustrations of millions of Sierra Leoneans who, once again, saw their hopes trampled under the weight of manipulated outcomes and systemic failures.
This raises a fundamental question: How many more times must Sierra Leone endure stolen elections before the system is permanently fixed? At what point does a democracy become a mere illusion when the will of the people is subverted so blatantly?
A Fight That Transcends Tribe and Party:
One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Kamara’s speech was its unifying tone. He dismantled the narrative that the demand for electoral justice is a partisan or tribal crusade. “This is not about tribe, region, or political party,” he said. “It is about restoring the soul of democracy.”
This statement is both timely and urgent. In a country historically plagued by ethnic divisions and regional politics, Dr. Kamara made a bold appeal for unity around principles—not personalities. His vision is one where every Sierra Leonean, regardless of political leaning, can rally behind a shared goal: building a nation where votes count, and voices matter.
But can Sierra Leone truly break free from the tribal and party loyalties that have long blinded many from recognizing national interest? Can we all stand together on the side of justice, even when it doesn’t favor our preferred political party?
A Message to the International Community:
In a tone that was diplomatic yet direct, Dr. Kamara reminded the world that the international community is not blind to the truth. He emphasized that foreign partners are well aware of the electoral discrepancies and have been “listening and pressing—quietly but firmly—for accountability and legitimacy.”
He also clarified a key misunderstanding: President Bio’s appointment as ECOWAS Chairman is a routine rotation—not an endorsement or a substitute for justice.
This rebuttal was necessary. Some within the SLPP have attempted to use the ECOWAS appointment as a badge of regional approval. But Dr. Kamara set the record straight—leadership titles abroad do not cleanse electoral injustices at home. So the question lingers: Will the international community stand up firmly for truth, or will diplomatic politeness silence their responsibility to defend democracy in Sierra Leone?
A Call for Patience, Not Passivity:
In one of the most emotionally moving parts of his speech, Dr. Kamara addressed his supporters directly: “I understand the frustration and feel the weight of your expectation… I ask you to hold on for a little longer.” He did not make unrealistic promises, nor did he fan the flames of discontent. Instead, he urged patience—not passivity.
“No discouragement or despair should be part of us,” he continued, reinforcing his belief that the rule of law and justice will prevail—not just for this generation, but even the yet unborn.
How many African leaders, having had an election stolen from them, would choose calm over chaos, dialogue over violence, and hope over hate? Dr. Kamara’s restraint should be studied as an example of political maturity. But for how long can a people remain patient when their democratic choices are routinely disregarded? Will time favor the righteous cause, or wear down the resolve of the aggrieved?
Election as a Sacred Trust:
The most profound line of the speech came near the end: “Election is not a game of power but a secret trust between citizens and their leaders.” That line alone encapsulates the deep moral failure that took place on June 24. Elections are meant to be sacred contracts—not competitive blood sports for power-hungry elites.
When those in power violate that sacred trust, they do not just steal votes—they steal futures, hope, and national direction. So the question becomes: How can Sierra Leone rebuild that trust, not just through legal means, but through institutional reform, civic education, and a renewed culture of accountability?
The Path Forward: Correct the Wrongs, Embrace the Rights:
Dr. Kamara’s final appeal was as much spiritual as it was political: “Let us correct the wrongs and embrace the rights—this fight is worth it.” Indeed, it is. The fight for electoral justice is not just about restoring one man’s political ambition—it is about restoring a nation’s dignity.
Can we imagine a Sierra Leone where elections are free, fair, and peaceful? Where no citizen feels disenfranchised? Where leaders earn power through trust, not tricks?
Dr. Samura Kamara believes it is possible. And if the spirit of his recent speech is anything to go by, he will not rest until that possibility becomes reality.
See Speech below…
UPDATE ON ELECTORAL JUSTICE AND RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY IN SIERRA LEONE
DR SAMURA MATTHEW WILSON KAMARA
APC 2023 PESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
FRIDAY 27TH JUNE 2025
Fellow Sierra Leoneans,
I greet you all today with renewed strength and unwavering hope.
I stand before you, not just as a political leader, but as your brother, your son, and your servant, humbled by your faith, inspired by your resilience, and emboldened by our shared belief in truth, justice, for a better Sierra Leone.
Let me say this, with clarity and without hesitation, that Electoral Justice is alive. It is real. It is ongoing. And nothing, not power, not propaganda, not delay, can stand in the way of what is rightfully and peacefully being pursued.
We all remember June 24, 2023, not with bitterness, but with clarity. That day was not just an election day. It was a moment when Sierra Leoneans chose hope over fear, democracy over manipulation. And though the results were marred by deep irregularities and betrayal, our response has been disciplined, dignified, and democratic.
Our fight for Electoral Justice is not about any one individual. It is not about any one political party or tribe or region. It is about restoring the soul of our democracy, as a peaceful, united and an enduring free society. It is about laying the foundations for a Sierra Leone where your voice counts, your vote matters, and your future is protected.
I want you to know that our international partners across Africa, the United States of America, Europe, and beyond, are not blind to the truth. The facts are very well known to them just as they are known to every true Sierra Leonean. They have listened, they have engaged, and they continue to press quietly, but firmly, for accountability and democratic legitimacy. The recent developments surrounding ECOWAS are a routine rotation, not an endorsement, and certainly not a substitute for justice.
I understand the frustration, and I feel the weight of your expectations. I share your pain. But I also ask you, from the bottom of my heart, to hold on just a little longer. Discouragement and despair can not be allowed to be part of us. June 24, 2023 is not a date to remember for the good of our country but the fight to correct the wrongs emanating from that date is historic, second only to the struggle for independence anywhere in the colonized world. Let us remember the weight of our faith in our lives.
Because this fight is worth it. Because the end will come, and it will bring dignity, peace, and renewal. Because our children, and their children, deserve a Sierra Leone where elections are no longer a game of power, but a sacred trust between leaders and the people.
Let me state clearly that our path is not one of violence. It is not one of incitement or chaos. It is one of conviction, courage, and commitment to our rights as a people, and the rule of law in a free democratic world.
And that is why I will not be provoked. I will not be distracted. I will not stop. Because I know that the moral arc of history bends toward justice and we are on the right side of history. And social justice is what we are asking for, not vengeance, not intimidation, and not oppression.
To those who doubt, I say, walk with us. To those who fear, I say, hope with us. To those who stand firm, I say, remain resolute.
Our unity is our strength. Our discipline is our shield. Our truth is our weapon.
In the end, justice will prevail, not just for this generation, but for generations yet to come. And Sierra Leone will rise again stronger, freer, and more united than ever before.
May God continue to bless you, and may God bless and guide our beloved Sierra Leone.
What God can not do does not exist.
Remember: My Sierra Leone
: My Responsibility
: Our Sierra Leone
: Our Responsibility
Thank you.