Tarawally’s Lawyers Give SLPP Chairman Seven Days to Withdraw Membership Letter

Lawyers representing former Member of Parliament Alhaji Musa Tarawally have given Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa seven days to withdraw a letter declaring Tarawally no longer an SLPP member.

Jengo, Sam & Partners made the demand in a letter dated September 21, challenging Songa’s September 17 correspondence. According to the lawyers, Songa’s letter alleged that Tarawally held membership in both the SLPP and the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP).

The law firm described the dual-membership allegation as false and disputed Songa’s authority to determine Tarawally’s status independently. It demanded that the SLPP chairman withdraw the letter, issue a correction through the channels where it was circulated and stop repeating the allegation.

Lawyers dispute membership claim

The lawyers also requested written confirmation that Tarawally remains an SLPP Grand Chief Patron and national delegate.

Jengo, Sam & Partners said Tarawally resigned from the CDP in writing on June 15, 2018, before publicly returning to the SLPP during that year’s presidential run-off election. The firm further claimed that he is a registered, card-carrying SLPP member in the Grand Chief Patron category and that his party dues have been paid through 2028.

According to the lawyers, Tarawally was accredited as a national delegate and voted at the SLPP’s 2025 National Delegates Conference, where Songa was elected chairman. The firm argued that the party’s acceptance of Tarawally’s dues and his participation in the conference amounted to recognition of his membership.

The lawyers also referred to a September 18 statement by four CDP regional chairmen, who they said stated that Tarawally was no longer a member of the CDP.

Possible legal and regulatory action

Jengo, Sam & Partners argued that any dispute concerning SLPP membership should be handled under the party’s disciplinary procedures and through authorised party organs. The firm said Tarawally received no complaint, hearing or disciplinary decision before Songa issued his letter.

The lawyers warned that, if their demands are not met within seven days, they have instructions to pursue a criminal complaint under the Cyber Security and Crime Act, a civil claim for libel and complaints to the Political Parties Regulation Commission and relevant SLPP bodies.

They also reserved the option of seeking remedies through regional human rights institutions.

The supplied material does not include a response from Songa, confirm whether any threatened legal or regulatory action has been filed, or independently establish Tarawally’s membership status in either party.