By: Sayoh Kamara – a Friend, Comrade and Witness to His Political Journey.
On Monday, 22nd June, 2026 the All People’s Congress and indeed Sierra Leone bade farewell to a man whose life was defined by loyalty, sacrifice, humility, and an uncommon commitment to the ideals and fortunes of the All People’s Congress (APC) party. The passing of Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, National Chairman of the APC party, has left a painful vacuum in the party and in the hearts of many who knew and worked with him.
For me, this loss is not merely that of a political leader, but that of a friend, an elder brother, and a comrade in a journey that dates back over two decades.
I first came to know Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray around the year 2000. At the time, I was a young journalist—perhaps the youngest and certainly the least significant in terms of age and political stature—among a close-knit group of individuals including, Hon. Alhaji Buya Kamara, Hon. Alimamy Petito Kamara, Ambassador John Yambasu, Alie Fornah, Alie Commoner Kamara, et al, accompanying the then opposition stalwart and future President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, as he traversed the length and breadth of the Western Urban and Rural communities, canvassing support ahead of the 2002 National Delegates Convention of the APC. The rendezvous was at No. 1 Percival Street, Mountain Cut, then rented by Comrade Hon. Alhaji Buya Kamara, whom I fondly called ‘Na fanga’.
Those meetings before the start of the real canvassing, were initially to convince Ernest Bai Koroma to return to the APC and to convince him to accept to lead the party’s rebranding. We wanted a new face for the APC, in the wake of the brand assassination meted on the party by certain elements of the former National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC) and of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)
Those were difficult days. The party was in opposition, resources were scarce, and victory appeared distant. Yet, amidst the uncertainty and enormous challenges, one man stood out for his tireless dedication and unmatched organisational ability—Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray.
He was more than a political operative. He was the bridge-builder, the strategist, and the trusted guide who knew the party from the top to the grassroots. Wherever we went, Chairman Minkailu was at home. He connected Ernest Bai Koroma with party elders, district stakeholders, constituency executives, market women, youth groups, and ordinary supporters. He spoke their language, understood their aspirations, and earned their confidence.
Many saw the public face of the campaign, but few truly appreciated the countless hours and miles covered by men like Minkailu Mansaray behind the scenes. He believed in Ernest Bai Koroma when belief itself required courage. He remained steadfast when many doubted. His commitment to the APC was not one of convenience; it was one born out of conviction.
From the days of struggle in opposition through the eventual victory in 2007, our relationship endured. Life, as it often does, took different turns. While many benefited when the rewards of victory were distributed, I found myself among those left behind. Yet, I never allowed disappointment to cloud my appreciation of the friendships and comradeship forged during those trying years.
Through it all, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray remained the same approachable, warm-hearted, and dependable personality I had known from the very beginning. He never carried himself with arrogance. Titles and offices never changed him. He retained that rare quality of making everyone—regardless of status—feel valued and respected.
His life was a testament to service above self. He understood that politics, at its noblest, is about building bridges, nurturing relationships, and keeping faith with the people one serves. He possessed a remarkable ability to unite rather than divide, to listen rather than dictate, and to inspire rather than intimidate.
As he returns to his Maker, history will remember him as one of the architects of the APC resurgence and one of the loyal foot soldiers who stood shoulder to shoulder with Ernest Bai Koroma when the future of the party hung in the balance. He was among those whose sweat and sacrifices laid the foundation upon which later victories were built.
But beyond politics and positions, I shall remember him as the affable gentleman who welcomed a young journalist into the company of seasoned politicians without prejudice; a man whose warmth made one forget differences in age, rank, and status; a man whose friendship was sincere and whose humanity was genuine. Even though death has silenced his voice, it cannot erase his legacy.
As his mortal remains was committed to Mother Earth, the APC party, his family, Comrades and friends also celebrated a life well lived—a life of service, loyalty, humanity, humility, and dedication.
Farewell, Chairman.
Farewell, big brother.
Farewell, loyal son of the APC.
Farewell, trusted ally of President Ernest Bai Koroma.
You have fought the good fight. You have finished your race. You have kept the faith.
May the Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgive your shortcomings, reward your good deeds, and grant you Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
Though uncle Minks, as he later became popularly known, has disappeared from our sights, his memory shall remain engraved in our hearts, and his contributions to the APC party and to Sierra Leone shall continue to speak long after the dust of his demise has settled.
Sleep peacefully, Comrade Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray.
Your labour was not in vain.
May your soul rest in perfect eternal peace. Ameen Yaraab.