Musa Tarawally Critiques Sengeh’s Interview, Urges SLPP to Protect Party’s Image
By -Kadiatu Sankoh
Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, a leading aspirant of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), has criticised aspects of Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh’s recent interview on AYV TV’s State of the Nation, particularly the manner in which the ongoing extradition-related concerns involving Sierra Leone, the Netherlands and wanted national Jos Leijdekkers were discussed.
Tarawally said the SLPP’s image and longstanding international relationships must not be misrepresented or unnecessarily drawn into an issue that, in his view, is fundamentally a matter between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Dutch authorities.
He stressed that the SLPP has no role in the extradition matter and urged party officials and stakeholders to ensure that the party is accurately represented whenever sensitive national and international issues are discussed.
According to Tarawally, the SLPP has historically maintained strong and productive relations with Western countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. He noted that successive Sierra Leonean governments, beginning with the country’s first Prime Minister, Sir Milton Margai, maintained constructive international partnerships that contributed significantly to national development.
He further highlighted the importance of Sierra Leone’s diaspora, particularly those living in the United States and the United Kingdom, noting that remittances from Sierra Leoneans abroad continue to support families and communities across the country.
Tarawally said these longstanding relationships should be protected and strengthened, rather than exposed to unnecessary political or diplomatic tensions.
He maintained that the SLPP, as one of Africa’s oldest political parties, must continue to uphold its credibility and preserve productive working relationships with Sierra Leone’s international development partners and traditional allies.
“The SLPP must be meaningfully represented and must not be presented in a manner that could implicate the party in crises that have nothing to do with it,” Tarawally advised.
He called on party stakeholders to exercise greater caution, clarity and responsibility when commenting on sensitive matters involving foreign governments, particularly issues with potential diplomatic implications.
Tarawally reaffirmed that the SLPP should remain committed to constructive international engagement and partnerships that serve the interests of Sierra Leone and its people.
He therefore urged the party to safeguard its reputation, maintain its historic relationships with Western partners and ensure that its position on national and international matters is clearly and responsibly communicated.