By George M.O. Williams
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), with support from the European Union and other international partners, has on Wednesday September 21st, 2022, commemorated the International Day of Peace. The event took place at the Bintinumani Conference Centre Aberdeen in the West of Freetown.
The event was themed; “End Tribalism, Build Peace and National Cohesion.’” It brought about a gathering of international partners, political parties, youth organizations and religious leader among others.
In his statement, the Head of the European Delegation, Ambassador Manuel Muller, said that Sierra Leone has made notable progress in consolidating peace and democratic governance since the war ended in 2002.
He added that the Country’s progress had been seen in successive elections which have been accompanied by remarkably peaceful transitions of political power in 2007, 2012 and 2018 respectively.
Muller emphasized that there is no development without peace. He equated democracy with peace and said both are cornerstones of sustainable, resilient, and prosperous nations across the world.
“We commend the efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone to consult and dialogue with important stakeholders in the Sierra Leonean Society. It is crucial at this stage for national dialogue and unity to continue to further engage Sierra Leoneans and bring more people from all sections of society to the table to forge a path for development of Sierra Leone, ” Ambassador Muller said.
He mentioned that young people comprises 60% of the country’s population, but added that most of them are unemployed. He cautioned that youth unemployment is a fundamental challenge to peace consolidation in Sierra Leone.
Muller said that unemployment continues to overshadow the country’s political and social life, adding that such issues need to be politically, legally and socially addressed.
He reiterates the EU’s commitment to continue supporting Sierra Leone’s promising democracy and governance reforms for a better and prosperous nation.
The Irish Ambassador in Sierra Leone, Claire Buckley, said that the commemoration of International Day of Peace provides an opportunity for all Sierra Leoneans to reflect on how far the Country has come in building a society where justice, peace, fairness and human rights prevail.
He furthered that Sierra Leoneans must ensure that they treat others equally regardless of their political, ethnic, social and economic status, and added that it will build a better nation for our children.
He applauded the Government of Sierra Leone for making conscious effort since the end of the civil war to strengthen democratic institutions, promote poverty reduction, and improve human rights and to conduct regular elections and transfer power peacefully.
The Minister of Political Affairs, Ambassador Foday Yumkella, said that Sierra Leoneans should not allow politicians to separate them on tribal, religion and political lines. He adding that they must learn to resist such attempts from politicians because the peace of the Country is more important.
He added that as a nation they must put aside attitudes that will discourage peaceful coexistence of all, but rather embrace peace and democracy that will enhance national and sustainable development.
A Board Member of the Peace Commission, Alhaji Conteh said that the Commission has been working relentlessly across tribal and regional boundaries to preach the need for peace and national cohesion in the Country.