Ernest Koroma–Alpha Kanu ECOWAS Summit Video Sparks Fresh Political Debate in Sierra Leone
A video from the recent Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit has ignited fresh political discussions in Sierra Leone after journalist and politician Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden defended Presidential Spokesman Hon. Alpha Kanu while offering her own interpretation of an interaction involving former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
The debate follows claims made by media personality Vickie Remoe, who alleged that Koroma intentionally turned his back on Alpha Kanu during the regional summit.
Premium TV Online later released a video it said challenged that interpretation, but Blyden argues the footage instead supports Remoe’s central observation.
Blyden Rejects ‘Judas’ Label Against Alpha Kanu
In a lengthy commentary published on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Blyden distanced herself from Remoe’s characterization of Alpha Kanu as a “Judas” or “Brutus.”
According to her, Alpha Kanu did not betray either Ernest Bai Koroma or the All People’s Congress (APC) by later joining the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and accepting an appointment as Presidential Spokesman under President Julius Maada Bio.
Instead, Blyden argued that Kanu left the APC after years of alleged marginalization and political isolation.
She maintained that exercising the right to leave a political party after feeling sidelined should not be interpreted as betrayal.
Claims of Marginalization Within APC
Blyden recounted events dating back to the APC’s 2017 national convention in Makeni, where she alleged Alpha Kanu lost his position as National Publicity Secretary during the party’s internal restructuring.
She further claimed that although Koroma later apologized and reappointed Kanu as Information Minister during the final months of his presidency, the relationship deteriorated significantly after the APC lost the 2018 general elections.
According to Blyden, Kanu was subsequently excluded from key party decision-making processes and allegedly faced hostility from sections of the APC leadership.
She described him as one of the party’s most committed figures during its years in opposition, arguing that the APC ultimately “lost a great asset” by failing to retain him.
ECOWAS Summit Video at the Centre of Controversy
The latest controversy centres on a short video recorded during the ECOWAS Summit.
Blyden said the footage released by Premium TV Online actually reinforces Vickie Remoe’s original observation rather than disproving it.
According to her analysis, Koroma appeared to turn away immediately after noticing Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Tim Kabba, approaching alongside Alpha Kanu.
She further claimed the video showed Koroma briefly greeting Alpha Kanu only after Minister Kabba drew attention to his presence.
Blyden also argued that Koroma later redirected his attention to Labour Minister Rado Swarray, describing the interaction as noticeably warmer while suggesting Alpha Kanu appeared uncomfortable before eventually walking away.
Calls for Reconciliation
Beyond the video itself, Blyden questioned why Koroma and Alpha Kanu still appeared distant despite growing calls for reconciliation in Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
She argued that if Koroma is committed to promoting national unity and reconciliation, Alpha Kanu should be among the easiest members of President Bio’s administration with whom he could publicly reconnect.
Blyden also noted that, despite joining the SLPP government, she could not recall Alpha Kanu making personal attacks against Koroma, unlike some other former APC officials who have openly criticised the former president.
Political Reactions Continue
The incident has generated mixed reactions across social media, with supporters of both the APC and SLPP offering differing interpretations of the body language captured in the summit footage.
http://Sierra Leone country profile – BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14094194
While some observers believe the interaction reflected lingering political tensions, others argue the brief exchange has been overinterpreted.
As of the time of filing this report, neither former President Ernest Bai Koroma nor Presidential Spokesman Alpha Kanu has publicly responded to Blyden’s commentary or the renewed debate surrounding the ECOWAS Summit video.
Editorial Note
This report is based on opinions and interpretations expressed by Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden regarding a publicly circulated video.
Interpretations of body language are inherently subjective and do not constitute verified evidence of intent or personal feelings. Readers are encouraged to view the footage themselves before drawing conclusions.
Comments are closed