By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
In a bid to resolve the deepening electoral crisis within the Sierra Leone Drivers’ Union, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor Esq., has stepped in to mediate between the warring factions. The minister’s intervention on Monday, February 24, 2025, aims to restore order and chart a clear path for a peaceful and credible election within the Union.
The ongoing dispute within the Drivers Union has paralyzed its operations, with opposing factions locked in a heated battle over the election of a new executive. The impasse had previously led to a high-level meeting with the Minister, where the outgone President, Alpha Amadu Bah, voluntarily stepped down in an effort to de-escalate tensions. As part of the resolution process, it was agreed that an interim committee be constituted to temporarily manage the affairs of the Union while a roadmap for elections is established.
Speaking at the mediation meeting, Minister Lengor emphasized the significance of forming an interim body composed of ten members—five representatives from each of the contending factions. He noted that the persistent disagreements among members threatened the stability of the Union and that his intervention was necessary to facilitate a peaceful transition.
“The decision to establish an interim committee reflects the need for reconciliation within the Union. As the Ministry responsible for internal security and peace, we are committed to ensuring that this election is free, fair, and peaceful,” the Minister stated.
He further directed the Drivers Union to work closely with the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, which has oversight responsibility for union affairs. The Labour Ministry, he said, would outline the terms of reference for the interim committee and set a timeline for the long-overdue elections.
Minister Lengor urged Union members to remain law-abiding, emphasizing that peace and unity are essential for the development of the transportation sector. “As peace is fundamental to national development, I urge you all to promote unity and comply with the law. A peaceful election within the Union will bring harmony and prosperity to all members,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Director of Labour and Employment, Mr. Sinneh Bockarie, acknowledged the challenges that had hindered previous reconciliation efforts. He disclosed that despite multiple engagements with the Union, disagreements had persisted. However, he stressed that the ultimate solution rested in the hands of Union members themselves.
“When there is conflict within the executive, it is the ordinary members who suffer the most. The interim committee must set clear targets and ensure that peace prevails throughout this process,” Mr. Bockarie stated. He commended the Ministry of Internal Affairs for its role in fostering stability, highlighting the collaborative efforts between both ministries to restore order within the Union.
Union members, in turn, welcomed the intervention, expressing gratitude to the Minister for his efforts in ensuring a peaceful transition. They called on both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security to continue monitoring the Union’s activities to prevent further disputes.
After extensive deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that members of the interim committee would not participate in the election process to maintain transparency and credibility. This decision, stakeholders believe, will help foster trust among members and ensure a fair electoral process.
As the interim committee embarks on its mandate, expectations are high that their role will usher in a new era of unity and stability within the Sierra Leone Drivers Union.