By Silas Isenjia
“May this election bring an end to the violence, hatred, and discord that has plagued our beloved country,” the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown in Sierra Leone, Fr. Peter Konteh, has implored ahead of the June 24 general elections.
Fr. Konteh who was addressing the ninth Congress of the Regional Union of the Diocesan Priests of West Africa (RUPWA) on Monday, June 5, 2023, further implored, “May the upcoming elections in Sierra Leone be marked by peace, fairness, and a renewed commitment to the common good.”
The award-winning Catholic Priest who has previously advocated for a “meaningful participation” of Sierra Leone’s youth in politics and peacebuilding initiatives sought divine intervention to stop “the feet of those inclined towards violent protests” and to “calm the fingers poised on triggers”.
“May justice prevail for the downtrodden, bringing restoration to the marginalized and abused, and hope to the hopeless,” Fr. Konteh said during the ongoing Congress taking place at the National Pastoral Centre, Kenema, in the Archdiocese of Freetown.
He prayed that God grants wisdom “to all those in positions of power, be it political, physical, or social, that they may exercise their authority with prudence and righteousness”.
“Grant us, and all the citizens of Sierra Leone, the grace to recognize our mistakes and the humility to seek forgiveness. May we learn to forgive others as well, fostering an atmosphere of reconciliation and unity,” Fr. Konteh further implored at the Congress scheduled to end June 12.
The Sierra Leonean Catholic Priest who, earlier this year, lamented the use of kush and other illicit drugs among the young people in the country ahead of the general elections prayed for the grace of “listening” with respect during the electioneering period.
“Teach us the importance of listening to those with whom we disagree, allowing their stories to challenge our perspectives and broaden our understanding,” the Director of the development arm of the Catholic Church in Freetown Archdiocese said at the Congress organized under the theme, “Elections in Sub-Saharan Africa: The prophetic Role of Priests as Agents of Peace and Reconciliation.”
Fr. Konteh further implored, “May our personal transformation radiate outward, bringing peace to our communities and nation. Empower us to be agents of peace, working tirelessly to create a society where harmony, respect, and understanding prevail.”