Sierra Leone People's Party - Demise

Demise

Sir Milton Margai's death in 1964 left the position of leadership of the SLPP to his brother Sir Albert Margai. Albert's rule was characterised by dissent. Politically, he attempted to strengthen the position of the SLPP elites in relation to the chiefs, who had formed the backbone of the party. Albert's personal extravagance led to further animosity, especially after the country faced an economic downturn in 1966. Albert also reinforced the tendency of the SLPP to be a regional and ethnic party, installing a policy of affirmative action to the advantage of the southern Mende tribes. It was thought by opposing leaders that in light of Margai's declining popularity, Sierra Leone may establish a one-party system. APC victory in the elections in 1967 confirmed that the SLPP would no longer lead the country, and in an attempt to remain in control, Margai convinced the military, under the command of Brigadier Lansana, to stage a coup and declare martial law. The National Reformation Council (NRC) was established to govern the country, and the SLPP was able to remain an influential force. Brigadier Lansana was quickly ousted in a counter-coup (March 23, 1967) led by Major Charles Blake, with the purpose of keeping Albert Margai and the SLPP out of power. This signaled the final blow to the SLPP's position as a primary political party in Sierra Leone. Under Blake, the National Reformation Council (NRC) replaced the SLPP, and the ruling junta began the process of returning the country to civilian control. This did not occur fast enough, and pressure from the APC, trade unions, and university students led to the junta's collapse in 1968, and Siaka Stevens became president. When Sierra Leone turned into a one-party state in 1978 all SLPP MPs except one joined the APC. In 1982 the so-called Ndogboyosoi (bush devil) war erupted between the APC government and the SLPP in the south.