A fresh political dispute has emerged within Sierra Leone’s ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) after presidential flagbearer aspirant Musa Tarawally challenged the party’s position on his membership.

The SLPP had directed Tarawally to stop using the party’s logo, presenting himself as an SLPP member or identifying himself as an aspirant for the party’s flagbearership. The directive followed correspondence in which the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP) reportedly confirmed that Tarawally remains a member of the CDP.

Tarawally subsequently denied having dual party membership and reportedly threatened legal action over the matter, adding another layer to the dispute surrounding his political status.

The disagreement comes as Sierra Leone’s political parties prepare for the next electoral cycle, with questions around party membership and eligibility attracting increased attention.

The dispute is now drawing attention to the rules governing party membership and the process for presidential flagbearer aspirants within Sierra Leone’s political system.