By Josephine Sesay
On January 14, 2025, the Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, released a compelling audio message urging citizens to register and join the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). In the 46th edition of his audio series, Dr. Sengeh emphasized that the SLPP stands as a symbol of national unity and inclusion, with its motto “One country: One People” embodying the party’s core values.
Dr. Sengeh provided a rationale for his call to action, highlighting the SLPP’s commitment to social democracy and the equitable provision of services to all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of background. He noted that the SLPP’s foundation is rooted in values of inclusion and progress, stemming from the merger of two key institutions: the Protectorate Education Progressive Union (PEPU) and the Sierra Leone Organizational Society (SOS). These institutions, he explained, came together to create a movement that has consistently fought for the rights of marginalized groups and promoted social cohesion.
The Chief Minister particularly praised the PEPU for its role in advocating for education for people in the protectorate, an area historically excluded from the education system that was predominantly available to Creoles and residents of the Freetown Colony. Regarding the SOS, he lauded its inclusive nature, drawing members from various ethnic and social backgrounds. These included figures such as Kandeh Bureh, a Temne tribal head, Siaka Stevens, a Limba who later became involved with the People’s National Party (PNP) and the All People’s Congress (APC), and many traditional leaders from across Sierra Leone.
Dr. Sengeh stressed that the SOS was instrumental in fostering citizen participation in national development and supporting civil society organizations, while promoting human capital development. He also addressed concerns about tribalism within the SLPP, emphasizing that the diverse membership of the SOS proved that the party transcended ethnic divisions, united by a shared vision of progress and national development.
The Chief Minister further reflected on the party’s historical commitment to education, from Sir Milton Margai’s prioritization of education to President Kabbah’s introduction of free education for girls at the secondary level. Most notably, Dr. Sengeh acknowledged the significant strides made under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration with the launch of the Free and Quality Education program, which provides education for all primary and secondary school pupils, as well as supporting female students pursuing STEM courses at the tertiary level.
In closing, Dr. Sengeh urged citizens to seize the opportunity to join the SLPP, emphasizing that the party’s values of inclusion, social democracy, and ethnic diversity offered a path forward for Sierra Leone. He encouraged everyone to secure their party membership cards and stand for the common good, thereby contributing to the continued development of the nation.