By ACI Africa
Members of the Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) have commended Sierra Leone’s commitment to dialogue as a vital step towards peaceful coexistence in the West African nation and across the globe.
In a statement that ACI Africa obtained on Monday, October 27, ACPF members weigh in on the input of Sierra Leone’s President at the United Nations (UN) meeting contained in a September 24 report.
In his remarks at the UN meeting, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone underscored the need for dialogue at various levels of societal structures to foster peaceful coexistence through synergy.
Drawing inspiration from his country’s hard-won truce, President Bio is quoted as saying, “We need to build bridges, and this requires the international community’s commitment to working with the regions to implement dialogue-based, region-led, and region-owned solutions.”
In their statement, ACPF members congratulate the government of Sierra Leone for embracing dialogue noting that the move will also unite the people of God in the West African nation.
“The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the people and government of Sierra Leone for choosing a path of dialogue in their commitment to restoring peace within the nation,” they say.
They add, “In times of challenge, the choice of constructive engagement through dialogue exemplifies a courageous pursuit of unity, justice, and reconciliation.”
“We acknowledge the resilience of Sierra Leone’s leadership and citizens who have come together to address the concerns impacting their communities,” ACPF members further say.
The Christian professionals in Africa describe dialogue and open communication as pillars of sustainable peace that in turn promote “trust and mutual understanding across diverse groups.”
The ACPF congratulatory message for Sierra Leone’s commitment to dialogue in promoting peace also follows the country’s use of dialogue to address political tensions that followed the 2023 general elections.
The tension between the ruling government and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) is said to have been settled through dialogue.
According to local media, the dialogue that the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Commonwealth, and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) facilitated brought the two opposing parties together to foster national unity and address the post-election challenges.
Media reports indicate that the dialogue addressed political tensions, resulting in a commitment to promoting transparency in electoral processes, respecting the rule of law, and enhancing inter-party cooperation.
The dialogue also resulted in plans for a cross-party committee to review electoral practices and establish a “Moral Guarantors” committee to monitor the implementation of peace commitments.
In their statement, ACPF members affirm their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone and other African nations in their respective efforts towards peace, stability, and development.
They implore, “May this journey of dialogue and understanding lead Sierra Leone toward a future marked by lasting peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of every citizen’s aspiration.”