By Sulaiman Jalloh

In a powerful display of national unity rising above partisan politics, Sierra Leone’s two major political parties the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have symbolically “smoked the peace pipe,” signaling a major step toward democratic maturity and political reconciliation.

In a moment that resonated across the nation, President Julius Maada Bio, National Leader of the SLPP, stood and personally welcomed Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh, Acting Chairman of the APC, during the SLPP’s 14th National Delegates Conference. The gesture was more than ceremonial it embodied humility, leadership, and statesmanship.

This symbolic handshake and hugging  transcended party lines, echoing the SLPP’s enduring motto, one country, one people. It marked a turning point in political discourse one rooted in reconciliation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to Sierra Leone’s development.

The invitation extended to the APC leadership to attend the conference was a bold and unprecedented move, reflecting a growing spirit of political inclusivity. It also reinforced the message that dialogue and cooperation are essential to national stability and progress.

While the APC has maintained a critical stance on aspects of President Bio’s administration, this recent moment of unity between the two political giants offers renewed hope. It sends a clear message to citizens and the international community alike: Sierra Leone’s democracy is maturing, and the nation’s future lies in peaceful engagement, not division.

 Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,4th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)