# Sierra Leone People’s Party internal leadership disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sierra-leone-peoples-party-internal-leadership-disputes
> Updated: 2026-09-09T13:22:39.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Internal friction has emerged within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) regarding leadership succession and party governance.

Disputes initially arose following remarks by National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa, who suggested that constituency chairmen should await directives from President Julius Maada Bio to determine the party’s next flagbearer. SLPP Secretary General Paran Tarawally rejected these comments as personal opinion, asserting that delegates must decide the successor at a convention expected in early 2027. Civil society group Direct Think Tank Initiative also condemned the remarks, arguing they undermine the party’s constitution.

Further tensions have developed involving party aspirants and officials. Musa Tarawally criticized Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh over the handling of international extradition matters, while former Minister Lahai Lawrence Leema announced he would not accept appointments from President Bio and expressed interest in a presidential run. Meanwhile, Dr. Sengeh has dismissed rumors that he is seeking the SLPP flagbearership, stating his priority remains supporting the current administration.

## Claims

- Musa Tarawally criticized Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh’s interview regarding extradition concerns involving the Netherlands and Jos Leijdekkers. (single source)
- Musa Tarawally stated the SLPP has no role in the extradition matter. (single source)
- Lahai Lawrence Leema declared he will not accept an appointment to serve in President Julius Maada Bio’s government. (single source)
- Lahai Lawrence Leema expressed ambition to become the next President of Sierra Leone. (single source)
- Dr. David Moinina Sengeh dismissed speculation that he is positioning himself for the SLPP flagbearership. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Sierra Leone People’s Party faces internal political friction

Political friction grows within Sierra Leone’s SLPP as Musa Tarawally criticizes diplomatic discussions, Lahai Lawrence Leema rejects future government roles, and Chief Minister Sengeh denies leadership bids.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sierra-leone-peoples-party-faces-internal-political-friction

### 2026-08-27: Sierra Leone People’s Party disputes succession remarks

Sierra Leone People’s Party officials and civil society groups have rejected claims by Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa that President Julius Maada Bio will dictate the party's next flagbearer.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sierra-leone-peoples-party-disputes-succession-remarks

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Cite as: Sierra Leone People’s Party internal leadership disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sierra-leone-peoples-party-internal-leadership-disputes