Bo City, 6th July 2026 – The Songa family, led by the National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, held a solemn 40-day memorial ceremony in honour of the late Alhaji Mohamed K. Songa, beloved father of Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa.
The memorial, held in Bo City, attracted an impressive cross-section of dignitaries from across Sierra Leone, reflecting the profound respect and admiration the late Alhaji Mohamed K. Songa commanded during his lifetime. The gathering brought together senior government officials, Members of Parliament, SLPP national executives and stakeholders, civil servants, religious leaders, traditional authorities, representatives of the All People’s Congress (APC), leaders of other political parties, family members, friends, sympathizers, supporters, and members of the public.
The ceremony was marked by Islamic prayers, tributes, reflections, and heartfelt messages celebrating the life, values, and legacy of the late Alhaji Mohamed K. Songa. Speakers described him as a humble, compassionate, and respected elder whose life was dedicated to family, community, and service to humanity.
Leading the APC delegation, Ambassador Osman Foday Yansane, Acting Chairman of the All People’s Congress (APC), expressed sincere condolences to Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa and the entire Songa family. He stated that the APC delegation attended the ceremony not as political opponents but as one national family united in mourning and compassion.
Ambassador Yansane emphasized that moments of grief should always transcend political affiliations, noting that humanity, love, peace, and national unity must remain the guiding principles of Sierra Leone’s democracy. He recalled the support and solidarity extended by President Julius Maada Bio, the Government of Sierra Leone, and Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa during the passing of the APC’s former Chairman, Minkailu Mansaray. According to him, the APC was present to reciprocate that same gesture of compassion and solidarity.
He further called on all Sierra Leoneans to continue promoting peace, national cohesion, reconciliation, and a shared vision for sustainable development and progress, stressing that the country’s future depends on unity beyond political differences.
As a symbol of solidarity and support, Ambassador Yansane, on behalf of the APC leadership and delegation, presented a cash donation to the bereaved family.
Responding on behalf of the Songa family, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa expressed profound appreciation for the APC delegation’s visit and generous gesture. He described their presence as a powerful demonstration of national unity, mutual respect, and political maturity.
Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa commended the leadership of the APC, particularly Ambassador Osman Foday Yansane, for leading the delegation and reaffirmed the cordial relationship he has maintained with members of the opposition over the years. He revealed that several APC leaders had remained in close contact with him and his family since the passing of his father, reflecting the spirit of friendship and humanity that exists beyond politics.
The SLPP National Chairman also expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for fostering an environment that promotes dialogue, inclusiveness, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence among Sierra Leoneans.
Using the occasion, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa called on all political actors and citizens to continue embracing peace, unity, national cohesion, and collective development, emphasizing that the progress of Sierra Leone should always take precedence over partisan interests.
He concluded by once again thanking Ambassador Osman Foday Yansane and the entire APC delegation for their compassion, leadership, and solidarity during the family’s difficult moment.
The memorial ceremony ended with special prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Alhaji Mohamed K. Songa, as religious leaders prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Songa family and for lasting peace, love, unity, and prosperity across Sierra Leone.
Source: JBS Media
