๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐ ๐จ๐๐๐ง๐.
As we approach general elections in June this year, disquieting news is emerging on several social media platforms of alleged physical attacks on opposition members/supporters. These allegations must be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators made to pay for their crime.
On several occasions, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has appealed to his party members/supporters to be peaceful, law-abiding and eschew violence. He has always encouraged them to conduct their campaign in a peaceful manner devoid of violence.
As far as President Bio is concerned, elections must be a peaceful contest. In every contest, a winner must emerge. The winner must be able to be magnanimous in victory. Sierra Leoneans must not condone any act of violence as we head for elections in June 2023. Sierra Leone is ranked the third most peaceful country in Africa. That is a badge of honour that we must all be proud of and even cherish. A few bad apples must not be allowed to undermine the peace and security of the state by engaging in acts of violence.
The security sector (especially the Sierra Leone Police) must be vigilant and take appropriate action against perpetrators of political violence.
The Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Samura Kamara, must be bold enough to publicly condemn any act of violence done in the name of the APC Party. That is what leadership is all about. Failing to condemn violence is not leadership. It is weakness.
We call on political leaders (both ruling and opposition) to publicly condemn any form of political violence perpetrated by their members/supporters.
Sierra Leone has come a long way. We can no longer afford to return to the dark days of political violence in the 1980s and 1990s. We are now considered to be a civilized nation. Let us not do anything that will undermine the gains we have collectively made as a nation.
Political leaders must be bold enough to publicly condemn any act of violence. That is the only game in town!
