Southern Unity on Display as Political Rivals Mourn Together
BO, Southern Province | Sunday, July 5, 2026 — _By Mohamed Malaam Janneh To-Taste
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The Bo Paramedic Axis at the Southern Regional Headquarters stood still for about five minutes on Sunday, as mourners observed a solemn moment during the 40th day Quranic recitation for the late Alhaji Mohamed K. Songa.
The event brought together the entire political family of Sierra Leone. Members of both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and the opposition All People’s Congress gathered to sympathize with the Jimmy Batilo Songa family.
Alhaji Mohamed K. Songa died peacefully and was buried a day later. Since his passing, mourners have continued to queue to offer condolences to the bereaved family.
POLITICAL LEADERS SHOW SOLIDARITY
Senior figures from both major parties were present, in what many described as a rare show of national unity.
Representing the SLPP was Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, widely regarded as a leading contender for the party’s flagbearer position ahead of the 2028 multi-tier elections.
The APC delegation surprised many when they entered the living room of the bereaved family to pay their respects. The delegation included Alhaji Mohamed Omodu Kamara, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, and Mr. Bai Mahmoud Bangura, among others.
Their presence alongside SLPP leaders reinforced a message that resonated throughout the gathering: that politics is not war.
A DAY OF REFLECTION
The 40th day rites featured recitations of several verses from the Holy Quran in memory of the deceased. Family members received handshakes and words of comfort from guests who travelled from across the country to attend.
Attendees described the gathering as both solemn and unifying, noting that moments of grief can bridge political divides.
The joint appearance of SLPP and APC leaders in Bo is expected to be welcomed by many Sierra Leoneans calling for tolerance and respect across party lines.