On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, 21st September 2022 with the theme: “End Tribalism. Build Peace and National Cohesion”, Fambul Tok International- Sierra Leone has re-echoed and fully shared a message calling on Sierra Leoneans to strengthen the ideals of peace, by celebrating a period of non-violence and cease-fire also urging them to continue embracing peace and national cohesion.
Through a Press Statement issued by the Organization on Thursday September 22, 2022 expressed its vision on how Sierra Leoneans should collaborate in enhancing peace in the country thus: “As an organization, we want to invite every Sierra Leonean to join our efforts in working towards a nation free of tribalism, violence and negative political ideological orientation— and build our society where all members feel that they can flourish. This involves creating a Sierra Leone in which people are treated equally, regardless of their tribe.”
According to the release every Sierra Leonean has role to play in nurturing peace and dealing with tribalism as a vital way to contribute towards sustaining peace and stability.
“We can work to dismantle the structures that entrench tribalism in our midst and support movements for equality, peace and national cohesion, promote a green and sustainable economy that produces jobs, reduces emissions, and builds resilience to climate impacts,” according to FAMBUL TOK.
The Organization emphasized that the need to break the chain of Tribalism Sierra Leone has become more evident.
“It [Tribalism] has continuously destroyed our institutions, social structures, and everyday life. As we celebrate this great day, let us be tolerant towards our compatriots and become drivers of that change and seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom”, John Caulker, Executive Director.
FAMBUL TOK through its press statement stressed the urgent need to re-commit to inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and the promotion of tolerance, diversity and a culture of peace, adding that building sustainable peace is at the core of Fambul Tok’s mission and activities, reflected in their vision of advancing peace by mobilizing ordinary people—entire communities ravaged by war in the hard work of reconciliation.
The Organization further pledged its determination to help communities recover better, accompany them to build resilience and ways of transforming communities and the world at large into places that are more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.
Fambul Tok aslo mentioned that form their experience in working towards the ideals of International Peace Day through community led and owned reconciliation process that they support witness and celebrate in Sierra Leone, they have learnt that communities have within them the resources they need for their own healing.