By Saidu Dumbuya
Taking a significant step toward fostering national unity and youth inclusion, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, has met with Executive members of the APC Young Congress, the youth wing of the main opposition party.
Widely hailed as unprecedented under the current SLPP-led administration, the meeting marks the first time a sitting Youth Minister has formally engaged with the APC’s youth leadership, signaling a new chapter in bipartisan youth collaboration.
Held at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the discussion was centered on creating space for mutual cooperation, breaking political barriers and ensuring that youth development becomes a shared national agenda rather than a partisan one.
The Minister underscored the inclusive mandate of his Ministry, stating clearly that, “The Ministry of Youth Affairs does not belong to any political party; it belongs to all young people across Sierra Leone.”
He encouraged the APC Young Congress to freely invite the Ministry to their programs and pledged the Ministry’s full support and participation in youth-centered initiatives, regardless of political affiliation.
“Every political party’s youth wing deserves a seat at the table,” he emphasized. “This Ministry belongs to the youth of Sierra Leone.”
Ibrahim Sannoh further affirmed his commitment to inclusive youth engagement, assuring that his office will continue to actively involve all political youth groups in national youth programs and development initiatives.
On behalf of the APC Young Congress, President Ansu Bernard responded with gratitude and optimism. He described the Minister’s outreach as a “genuine gesture of unity” and a “much-needed call to national purpose.” Ansu Bernard noted that such engagement could serve as a turning point in bridging political divides among the youth.
“Let this not just be a meeting but the beginning of something real and impactful,” he said. “When the heart is sincere and the mind is honest, only then can development reach all of us as young people.”
The historic dialogue has been widely welcomed by observers and youth stakeholders as a refreshing display of political maturity and visionary leadership. In a country where political divisions often run deep, the meeting is being seen as a rare but powerful move to place the interest of young people above party lines.
It also sends a clear message that youth unity is central to national progress and that inclusive dialogue, mutual respect and collaboration are the tools to shape a stronger Sierra Leone.
The engagement, analysts say, could lay the foundation for long-term partnerships between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and various youth wings, ensuring that young people across all political affiliations are empowered, heard and involved in the development of the country.
With the nation looking ahead, the meeting stands as a hopeful symbol of what is possible when youth leaders transcend political rivalry and commit to a shared vision for peace, development and progress.
