By: Mohamed Jalloh
David Reimer the extraordinary and plenipotentiary Unite States Ambassador to Sierra Leone has urged politicians especially those that appeal to ethno/regional sentiments to refrain from such divisive acts.
The Ambassador made the remarks when he appeared on the popular Vicky Remoe show to highlight the United States support to the electoral process and the commitment of the US to free, fair and peaceful elections in Sierra Leone on the 24th June 2023.
David Reimer decries politicians who appeals to a particular group instead of having a national message in the form of policies to articulate to the electorate.
Despite being a diplomat he was blunt in his words by noting that such type of divisive politics has the potential to derail the peace and stability of the nation.
The ambassador did not necessarily mention names but by reading between lines the insinuation aptly fits the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) whose flag bearer Dr Samura Kamara is renowned for making explicit tribal statements against south easterners without owning up to any alternative policy agenda.
Being a foresighted Ambassador, David Reimer Knows that such statements has the potential of sowing seeds of discord among different ethnic groups and derail the country`s hard earned peace and stability.
He said the civil war ended more than 20 years ago, which according to him is creating room for complacency to creep in especially among the unsuspecting and gullible youthful supporters who never experienced the brutal civil war.
“It is nice to have a political discourse but it should not be inflammatory”, Ambassador Reimer pointed out.
He continued to emphasize the need to do away with hate speech which has the potential to cement cleavages of ethnic divisions.
The US Ambassador calls out on opposition parties that criticize government policies unnecessarily without providing an alternative policy agenda, he said it is fine to criticize government but “if you are elected what are you going to do for the people?”, the Ambassador rhetorically asked.
He reveals that as the US ambassador to Sierra Leone there is an ongoing conversation and engagement with both the ruling SLPP and the main opposition APC on the need to tone down the rhetoric and lower the political temperature, noting further that he is sometimes disappointed whenever he checks his tweeter feed.
The Ambassador recollects the August 10th incident which he described as a wakeup call for everybody including the ruling party and the opposition and the international community at large not to be complacent about the peace and stability of the country.
“There are deeper lessons to learn from the civil war and the August 10th demonstrations with the compelling need of not repeating the same mistakes”, he warned.
On the same vein, the Ambassador appealed to the ruling party to talk, dialogue and reach out to politicians across the political isle as according to him, you understand people only when you talk to them.
“Talking to political opponents helps in reducing political tension”, he noted.
Ambassador Reimer stated that the relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States is non-partisan and will continue irrespective of which political party is in power in both countries.
He disclosed the bi-partisan unanimity in the United States in the form of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to support the electoral process through a $1.5million grant.
The Ambassador further revealed the training of the Sierra Leone Police by US police experts to maintain professionalism during the electoral process.
He said the training is centered in a manner to protect personal and public safety, respect human rights and minimize the use of force, which according to the Ambassador will go a long way to generating public trust and confidence in the Sierra Leone police.
