By Neneh Fofanah
Freetown, 27th July, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA) is facing mounting internal disputes just months before its scheduled elections in December, raising concerns about governance and unity within the sport.
The controversy stems from two flashpoints: the exclusion of sprinter Lawrence Fidel, popularly known as “Machine,” from Sierra Leone’s team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and disputes during the association’s Extraordinary Congress held in Bo on July 18.
The congress, intended to prepare for elections and discuss constitutional amendments, descended into chaos after several athletics clubs claimed they were barred from participating. Protests erupted outside the venue, with club officials accusing the executive of deliberately sidelining them to consolidate power.
SLAA Secretary General Dr. Adikali Kaba Sesay defended the decision, explaining that under the 2022 constitution, only national and district executives have voting rights. Clubs were allowed to attend as observers, but when asked to leave for executive sessions, representatives from the Western Area refused, prompting police intervention.
Club officials, however, insist the exclusion was politically motivated. Santigie Conteh, Secretary General of United Stars Athletics Club, accused the executive of attempting to weaken clubs’ influence. “We are legitimate members with the right to vote and contest. They want to maintain office by pushing us out. We will resist,” he said.
The dispute has been compounded by the selection row over Fidel. Dr. Sesay argued that the athlete was not excluded unfairly, noting he finished third in trials and that team selection was based on strength in the 400-metre mixed relay rather than individual speed.
Resolutions passed at the congress confirmed that the next SLAA elections will take place in December 2026. However, tensions remain high, with club leaders such as Musa Kalamu Jawara, President of Rising Stars Athletics Club, calling on the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Sports to intervene and ensure proper procedures are followed.
The unfolding dispute highlights deep divisions within Sierra Leone’s athletics community at a critical moment, with the outcome of December’s elections likely to shape the future of the sport.
