By Janet A Sesay
On Wednesday 11 March 2026. one of the 2028 Presidential candidate in the race for the main opposition party, Bai Mamoud Bangura, held his second Iftaar conference at the City Hall in Freetown, bringing together community people, different organizations and members of the APC party to preach peace.
In his speech, Bai Mamoud Bangura thanked everyone for honoring his invitation, adding that the conference is to give thanks to Allah for what he has done for everyone.
He maintained that in his first iftaar conference last year, he was unable to speak as freely as now, since he was then an Executive Member in the party, but now, that he is no longer in the Executive, he has joined his people to share one common vision which is guided by faith that the country needs redemption, change and prayers.
The Presidential aspirant furthered that in last year’s iftaar conference he was the National Organizing Secretary of the All People’s Congress Party, but in this year’s conference he is the awaiting Flagbearer and President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, which is his vision that is guided by faith.
He furthered that for the past few years Allah has tested the patients of the membership of the APC party and the people of this country, adding that as members of the APC party they have lost lots of gallant soldiers who have lost their lives in the interest of the party, and such people include Umaru, Sheku Tejan , Amadu Keita, Kadie APC of Lungi, to name but a few.
He continued that their patience were also being tested, as the former Chairman and Leader of the APC party, Ernest Bai Koroma, is not with them and Alhaji Minkalu Mansaray, who is the current National Chairman and Leader of the party is also not with them, but are out of the country for medical reasons and need prayers.
He observed that people everywhere are suffering because of the cost of living in the country, injustice, energy challenge, food challenge, all these are as a result of the bad side of democracy.
Bangura further stated that they will continue to stand firm and those tests and trials come to remind them of their responsibilities as young people of Sierra Leone to cater for change.
He furthered that change is a must and it is only the energy of the young people and faith that will change this country, adding that Allah will continue to test the patience of people.
He recalled that their Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya, was imprisoned just because he stood for the truth.
He said the reason of the conference was that the people know the problem of the country and not only vision or energy will be able to change the vision of the country, but faith that is guided by prayers to ensure the betterment of the country.
The Presidential aspirant further stated that they have only ten days to the end of Ramadan, during which they are asking Allah for forgiveness, and these should be followed by goodness and prayers for Allah to provide for them and counter the deterioration in the country, thereby taking the country out of poverty and instilling justice and human rights in the minds of people.
He said he was guided by faith and he Organized such a conference to push the vision of young people in the country , adding that something that has been marked by Allah nobody will change it.
He continued that it is not by magic or money, noting that when he becomes the next flagbearer of the All People’s Congress Party and the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
He prayed for wisdom from God that will translate to strength and make him deliver justice to his people and face the battle the people are facing in the country.
He thanked everyone for attending the conference.
Different Imams did a lecture and explained what people should do during Ramadan.