Nyumalin Succumbs To Fallah

The Political tension in the Kissi territory of Foya, Lofa County, has come to end as Local Government Minister, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, who was ousted in his legislative seat in the 2023 election now agreed to step aside.

Nyumalin has agreed to support Deputy House Speaker, Thomas Fallah, who defeated him.

 The decision is to allow Fallah achieve his “political goal.”

Speaking to reporters over the weekend in Foya, Nyumalin said, his decision is part of ongoing reconciliation efforts to promote unity among the people of the Kissi Chiefdom.

“Not only will I step aside, but I will also support the re-election bid of Fallah,” Nyumalin declared.

He made the announcement on Sunday, October 25, following a major stakeholders’ engagement in Foya.

The meeting involved Fallah, Chairperson of the Special Presidential Project Coordinating Committee on the Yellow Machine, Brownie J. Samukai, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, and traditional chiefs and elders of the Kissi Chiefdom.

REP. Fallah Apologizes

In a related development, Fallah has publicly apologized to Nyumalin, as well as the elders and people of Foya, over the chaos that occurred during the 2023 election.

In an emotional appeal for forgiveness and reconciliation, Fallah acknowledged the need to put aside personal pride, and political differences in the interest of peace and unity among the people of Foya. Fallah said, he willed to humble himself as both a man, and a leader to seek forgiveness for the events surrounding the 2023 elections. “I know I might hurt you, big brother, but I say sorry. I am going to ask you to sit down, and say sorry. Sorry for what happened. To the elders, I stand here to say to you, sorry for what happened in 2023. I have put aside my pride as a man and as a leader. I have laid my pride down to say to you, I am sorry. Let us take our people as one,” Fallah stated. The apology comes against the backdrop of political tensions surrounding the 2023 elections, which left divisions among some political actors, and citizens in the district.

Fallah’s public expression of regret could serve as an important step toward reconciliation, particularly as communities seek to move beyond past political disagreements, and strengthen peaceful coexistence. His appeal also underscored the importance of dialogue, humility, and forgiveness in resolving political differences, and promoting unity among the people of Foya.

However, the lasting impact of the apology will depend on continued dialogue, and a shared commitment by political leaders, elders, and citizens to prevent a recurrence of election-related tensions.