(Commentary)
By: James Kamara-Manneh
It is a normal belief that Politics is about permanent interest and not for the general masses, but what Sierra Leoneans witnessed at the start of this week was intriguing from our politicians. Sierra Leone’s political turmoil necessitated a three-day mediation dialogue spearheaded by the Commonwealth, ECOWAS, Africa Union, and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion which culminated in a positive end that brought smiles to the faces of many.
This historic dialogue bridged the chasm of discord that has plagued the nation since the most peaceful but controversial June 24 election, pitching the government against the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC). Such apolitical attitude from the opposition cost the government, the citizens of Sierra Leone peace and tranquility. Had it not been for intervention of international communities this would have continued, while our democracy remains under questioning.
However, there may be some dissatisfaction with members of both political parties. Many within the main opposition party APC were expecting the unexpected from their leaders who represented them during the dialogue session. According to information gathered, the distressing narrative of betrayal is been felt as the grassroots supporters of the All People’s Congress (APC) find themselves abandoned by their leaders, notably the 2023 presidential candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara.
On the other hand, supporters of the ruling party SLPP might be expressing concrete instances of disgruntlement of betrayal of broken promises of protection and advocacy for the grassroots, replaced by political expediency. The perceived indifference of party leaders in the face of atrocities threatens to sever the trust that binds a political movement together.
For a recap, especially for the young ones, the 11-year-long civil war (1991-2002) was estimated to have killed over 50,000 people. Thousands were maimed and their limbs amputated. Half of the population was displaced. Almost all the people of Sierra Leone were affected by the war, leaving an enduring scar on the country and the collective psyche.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, academics and peacebuilders became increasingly interested in promoting transitional justice alongside other methods of peace consolidation, particularly in countries that had experienced mass violence and large-scale atrocities. These included South Africa, Rwanda, Bosnia and Peru.
Today, the Middle East is gapping with deadly and aimless war killing each other. The ongoing war conflict between Israel and Palestine has left many dead, hospitalize, millions of state and personal properties destroyed. Presently, the death toll in Gaza stands at 3,478 killed while 12,065 others have been wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 69 people have been killed and 1,300 wounded. In Israel, at least 1,400 people have been killed and 3,800 injured since the October 7 Hamas attacks (courtesy of Aljazeera).
Do we as a nation wants a repeat of civil war in our country? Obviously not! Right thinking Sierra Leoneans wants to continue living in a peaceful state where freedom of expression, the right to political affiliation, a democratic state, the rule of law takes effect for all and not just for particular individual or group of people. We can only experience such if we as citizens see ourselves as one people residing under the umbrella of Sierra Leone and as Sierra Leoneans.
The conclusion of the dialogue last night chaired by international mediators and the signing of a communique is left with our leaders to put resolutions into effect.
As both parties wished to rekindle the relationship within the national socio-political ecosystem, I prayed that they put aside all political ideologies, personal grudges, tribalism etc and look at the bigger picture for the future generation of Sierra Leone.
President Bio in his twit said “just as I am the President of those who placed their faith in me, so too shall I be the President of those who did not.it is time for us to join hands in blurring the lines drawn during the spirited campaign season and reunite as one vibrant, united family-proud members of the Sierra Leone nation. I belong to each and every one of you, for because you are, I am; because you are, I find my purpose.”
Therefore, as the government stands resolute to work for all Sierra Leoneans in respective of tribe, region or political affiliations the clarion call is out there for all to join this government to build a prosperous country that works for all as we all pursued peace and good governance.
Both political parties show solidarity to this great nation in respective of their political stands, they demonstrated love not for party but for Sierra Leone. Let us as a nation, political loyalist rally around them for the future of our nation. As we put aside all hate speeches, remember there is only one nation call- Sierra Leone!
The signed resolution is a demonstration of boundless energy, strength, and courage from our politicians who have held fast to our democratic dictates.