Thousands Rally in Waterloo as Ibrahim Bangura Calls for Unity, National Healing

Emiola Osifeso in Nigeria

The community of Waterloo of Rural District witnessed an extraordinary political gathering as thousands of people including elders, youth groups, women’s wings, and APC stakeholders assembled to welcome Dr. Ibrahim Bangura (DIB) in an atmosphere filled with anticipation, excitement, and unity.

The massive turnout reflected not just political interest, but a genuine hunger for healing, reconciliation, and national renewal ahead of the 2028 elections.

Taking the podium to thunderous applause, Dr. Bangura began his address with a firm declaration of what his campaign stands for and what the APC must become. He told the crowd, “What we want is a united party, every district to have room for everyone who is a member of the APC. That love and unity is what we are enjoying here today.”

He urged the people of Waterloo to continue embodying the spirit of acceptance and openness that had marked the day’s event. With conviction, he said, “I implore you, the people of Waterloo, embrace everyone who will come, just as you have embraced us today. The APC cannot grow if we pick and choose who is welcomed.”

Dr. Bangura was clear in stating that his aspiration for the APC leadership is not born out of ego or superiority. “I am not running because I consider myself better educated or more intelligent than everyone else, or because I feel like there is no one like me. The APC has enough people filled with wisdom and competence—many who are also running for this office. I respect all of them deeply”, he declared.

He explained that what separates his campaign is its foundation in three core principles: healing, unity, and building. He emphasized that these principles are not mere slogans but deliberate steps to fix what is broken. “We want to heal the APC because we have small internal problems. We want to bring us all together and solve these issues and heal,” he said.

Dr. Bangura shifted his focus from party matters to the national condition, speaking with emotion about the heavy trauma Sierra Leone continues to bear. He reminded the people that the pain of the civil war is not far behind as many often assume. “This is a deeply traumatized country,” he said solemnly. “We fought brutal wars. Over 60,000 people died. Some people say the war is not yet over because only the guns went silent, but the poverty, frustrations, and grievances still remain.” His words held the weight of lived reality, resonating with the struggles of the ordinary Sierra Leonean.

He noted that the country’s challenges are not tribal or regional, but universal. “The pain that we feel is the same,” he said. “Hunger is the same. Poverty, no good healthcare, all of that—it is the same pain the person from Kailahun feels, the same pain in Bombali, the same pain my people in Mambolo feel.” He said any nation that allows hatred or division to take root among its people cannot go far and cannot grow in dignity. “We are not here to run after anyone. We don’t do that. We have come to bring the country together. We come to show our people that the greatest force is love, not hate.”

Dr. Bangura explained that his journey started from asking himself tough questions about what Sierra Leoneans truly desire at the end of the day. He looked at the crowd and asked, “Is it to hate and fight ourselves? Or is it to simply be able to open a tap and fetch water easily, to send our children to school, to afford food, and to have peace in our communities?” The question drew murmurs of agreement throughout the audience at the Bassa Town Field.

He also addressed the growing issue of youth vulnerability, particularly the devastating impact of the drug known as kush. He did not place the blame on the youth alone but pointed to the environment of hopelessness that has enveloped them. “Kush has wasted the lives of many of our young people,” he said. “But I blame it on one thing: hopelessness. When there is no hope, the mind turns to destruction.”

He stressed that his campaign and future administration would be deeply rooted in youth inclusion, giving them roles, responsibilities, and opportunities. “We want an inclusive government. Everybody must be involved, the youths, the women, the vulnerable, the old ones. Nobody should be left out.”

He returned again to his core message, delivering a line that has become the centerpiece of his movement. “That is why we carved our campaign into three words: HEAL, UNITE, and BUILD. We must heal first, then we unite, then we build this country.” His message resonated deeply with the massive crowd, many of whom chanted the words back to him.

Dr. Bangura expressed heartfelt appreciation to the APC leadership from across the region for their role in making the gathering possible. “If not for your hard work, this meeting would not have happened,” he acknowledged. He encouraged them not only to support his campaign but to open their arms to others as well. “Embrace others that will come. Support them. Let the APC continue to grow,” he said, emphasizing again the theme of collective progress over personal ambition.

Several APC leaders were also given the floor, each reinforcing the message of unity and their confidence in Dr. Bangura’s leadership.

Abu Bakarr Fofanah, APC Chairman for the Rural District, delivered one of the firmest endorsements of the day, reminding the crowd that leadership must be anchored in character, compassion, and a genuine connection to the people.

He said, “Dr. Ibrahim Bangura is not just an aspirant; he is a unifier. What we are seeing here today with thousands standing together is proof that his message is reaching hearts across this district. We need a leader who listens, who heals, and who stands for every Sierra Leonean, not just a select few.”

Fofanah added that the Rural District APC is ready to stand side by side with Dr. Bangura as the party prepares for 2028. “When you see this kind of unity, you know victory is possible. Waterloo has spoken loudly today, and the APC Rural District is firmly behind DIB.”

Chernor S. Kamara, Acting Organizing Secretary of the APC, told the crowd that Dr. Bangura represents the type of leadership the party needs to reclaim national power. He remarked that the level of turnout alone was evidence of renewed faith within the party.

Minkailu Payamba Koroma, an aspirant for the role of APC National Publicity Secretary, emphasized that the APC’s victory in 2028 depends on embracing visionary leaders. He told the people of Waterloo that supporting Dr. Bangura means supporting a future where the party is stronger, more organized, and more connected to grassroots realities.

Cornelius Devoux, former Deputy Minister of Information and a known member of the DIB Team, highlighted Dr. Bangura’s message as “the kind of national conversation Sierra Leone needs right now,” adding that his vision reflects hope in a time when people are yearning for direction.

Hon. O. Sesay, Member of Parliament representing Bombali District, urged party members not to lose sight of the bigger goal—reclaiming governance. He noted that embracing Dr. Bangura strengthens the APC’s chances of national victory. His call for unity echoed through the crowd.

Also speaking was Abubakar Daramy of the DIB Western Regional Team, who reinforced that the team is fully committed to the movement and believes Dr. Bangura is the right man to lead the APC into battle in 2028.

One of the most powerful voices of the day came from the women’s wing. Speaking on behalf of the APC Iron Ladies, National President Isatu Bangura delivered an electrifying endorsement that drew loud cheers. She said, “Dr. Ibrahim Bangura is a breath of fresh air. He represents the hope of a new Salone, one that wants to Heal, Unite, and Build with integrity.” She stressed that their support is not based on sentiment but on Dr. Bangura’s proven consistency, grassroots engagement, and his fearless stance on economic and social reforms. With conviction, she added, “We believe in him because he believes in the people. Waterloo stands with DIB, and we are ready to work for victory come 2028.”

The event, attended by thousands enthusiastic supporters, ended in joy, songs, chanting, and a renewed sense of direction for the APC. After taking photos with leaders and supporters, Dr. Bangura departed Waterloo leaving behind a message of unity, healing, and hope—one that many believe will shape the political journey toward 2028.