- Dr. Kaifala Marah Demands
By Mohamed Kamara
One of the Flagbearer Aspirants of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Kaifala Marah, has called for the unconditional release of their party’s Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya Esq, warning that continued intimidation of political actors threatens national stability, democracy, and investor confidence.
APC’s Lansana Dumbuya in cuffs at Pademba Road Magistrates’ Court
The opposition scribe appeared in court yesterday after being denied bail last Thursday, but proceedings were disrupted when the magistrate abruptly left the courtroom before hearing the matter.
Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah cited security concerns, saying he felt insecure and threatened by the large crowd present and stating that only 15 legal practitioners and the two defense lawyers were required in court. He subsequently left the court premises in his vehicle, halting the hearing.
Speaking during an interview with Truth media, Dr. Marah described the current situation as fragile, urging authorities and political stakeholders not to “sleepwalk” into a crisis that could have been avoided through dialogue.
“This is a sensitive state for the country. We should have sat around a round table to discuss these issues. The country should not sleep in this kind of situation. We must avoid it.”
Dr. Marah warned that repeating the same political practices seen during the 2023 elections would not end well, noting that tensions are already rising.
“I have always said that if they continue to do the same old things they did in 2023, it will reach a point where I will say no and we are getting there,” he stated.
He stressed that his party had already complied with the law after being fined by the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), questioning why further action was necessary.
“If the PPRC imposed a fine and we agreed to it and paid as a party, shouldn’t we move on? Why arrest the man after that?,” he asked.
According to Dr. Marah, the arrest and detention has angered party members and sent a negative signal to the public and the international community.
“You arrest him, and it enrages our membership. It also tells people that this country is not stable,” he said.
He further argued that political expression, even when critical, is a normal part of democratic life, citing global examples.
“Look at what leaders face all over the world. Look at what they say about Donald Trump they cartoon him and all sorts of criticism. These are things democracy allows,” he noted.
Dr. Marah maintained that if any statement was contrary to the law, the legal penalties including fines on individuals and political parties should suffice without resorting to arrests and detention.
He cautioned that the broader economic consequences could be severe if political tensions persist.
“The economy is already bad. Investors are not coming. Headlines like this will tell the whole world that this country is not ready for business,” he warned.
Calling for maturity and responsibility, Dr. Marah urged national leaders to prioritize peace and reconciliation ahead of the 2028 elections.
“It is our responsibility to do what we are supposed to do so that we can reach 2028 peacefully. We must look at reality and say, let’s move on.”
Lansana Dumbuya is still at Pademba Road Correctional Centre waiting for the next adjourned date.
