Samura Kamara Breaks Silence, Calls for Justice and Renewal in Sierra Leone

 

In a rare social media address, Samura Kamara, Ph.D., presidential candidate in Sierra Leone's 2023 elections, delivered a direct message to his supporters almost a week after his 75th birthday. 

Kamara, veteran economist and former foreign minister, finance minister, and Bank of Sierra Leone governor, staked his legacy on this milestone moment. 

Kamara expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, warmth, and goodwill from his many supporters. He thanked his well-wishers for their kind messages, calls, prayers, and moments of laughter shared, which have reminded him of what matters. 

Reflecting on these bonds, he noted the unity among Sierra Leoneans and their shared hope for a better future. 

Contested results from the election indicate Kamara won 1,148,262 votes compared to 1,566,932 for Julius Maada Bio. Following these results, Kamara's party, the All People's Congress, demanded a re-run, citing glaring irregularities. 

On May 7, 2026, Kamara posted a video through his electoral justice spokesperson, Mohamed Warisay (@hafiesorie on X, formerly Twitter). 

Building upon his birthday message, Kamara emphasized that the words of encouragement he has received from across the country affirm the trust people place in justice and national renewal. 

This support, he said, renews his own belief in the privilege of public service. 

He expressed appreciation for the love and support of his family, colleagues, and comrades, crediting these relationships for anchoring and strengthening him.

Returning to his core ideals,  Kamara reaffirmed his commitment to pride, freedom, dignity, and prosperity for all Sierra Leoneans, ideals attracting support from both within and beyond his party. 

Explaining his recent silence, Kamara clarified it was out of respect and admitted it has come at great personal cost, noting that many wondered if he had abandoned them. 

"Let me declare, I have not," Kamara said. "I have never abandoned you. And I have never traded your vote, or your will, for anyone's favor," he declared. 

He stated that the cause of Sierra Leone remains before God Almighty. 

Identifying as a Catholic Christian committed to religious tolerance, Kamara has previously described his upbringing in a mixed-faith environment with his uncle, Alhaji Sorsoh Kamara, chairman of the Jamiul Jalil Mosque in Freetown. 

Today, Kamara frequently participates in both Christian and Muslim activities, supporting mosques and attending Jumma prayers. 

Sierra Leone is known for its exceptional religious tolerance, with its Muslim majority and Christian minority coexisting peacefully—even during the civil war. 

Shifting focus, Kamara addressed pressing national concerns in his May 7 video. Questions include those about election integrity and the value of the vote in Sierra Leone. 

He asserted that calls for electoral justice and democratic legitimacy are urgent and must be answered by eliminating election fraud. 

Although the 2023 election remains unresolved, Kamara indicated he is not part of the 2028 agenda, underscoring the primacy of the people's will. 

Turning to recent events, he referenced international news alleging Sierra Leone as the departure point for a major cocaine shipment, and called for continued public accountability, asserting that Sierra Leoneans should not accept the status quo. 

Kamara warned that silence and division undermine accountability and insisted that transformative change depends on prioritizing the people's will over partisanship. 

Concluding his message, Kamara challenged the current system, urging voters not to accept undemocratic dominance. 

He recalled the wound left by the June 24, 2023, election, reinforcing that the quest for truth and justice transcends any political party, calling it the people's cause and a test of moral courage. 

Continuing his message, Kamara emphasized that their demands are peaceful, grounded in conviction, sincerity, and faith. 

He concluded, "Democracy is the foundation for lasting peace," highlighting that love, unity, social justice, and prosperity emerge from democracy. 

Kamara urged Sierra Leoneans to embrace conscientiousness, truth, and justice, and to restore the nation's democracy. 

He stressed the importance of not losing hope, reminding his supporters that the future still holds promise.

"Together, we will walk it with courage and conviction," Kamara ended. "My Sierra Leone. My Responsibility."