June 15, 2021
By: Audrey John
Sierra Leone Unites (SLU) a religious faith group has brought together thirty religious leaders and eight youths to dialogue on their role in peace building and conflict transformation. The event took place on the 13th June, 2021.
Recognizing that religion can play an important role in peace-making and conflict prevention and resolution, religious leaders praised the initiative as the first of its kind hosted in Eastern Sierra Leone.
During the interactive sessions, the participants and facilitators explored the role of religious leaders in peace building, religion and conflict resolution, religious tolerance and its benefits for a peaceful society and conflict mediation and dialogue strategies.
Religious concepts of redemption and forgiveness underpinned key post-conflict reconciliation efforts, providing resources to help societies heal the shattering consequences.
Sierra Leone Unites is grateful for the active participation of Imams and pastors from both Muslim and Christian faiths. It was acknowledged that their presence reinforced the deal of promoting a peaceful society.
Speakers and facilitators included: Haja Alice Jeneba Koroma, Regional Director, East, Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s affairs Government of Sierra Leone, Evangelist Joseph John Bull, Founder and General Overseer, Nations Evangelistic Ministry, Alhaji Yusuf Kallon, Chief Imam Masjid Mohammad, Mr. Joe Diawo, Secretary General, Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone East, Mr. Swaliho Mahatma Kanneh, Volunteer Sierra Leone Unites, Ms. Mariama Gendemeh, Volunteer, Sierra Leone Unites, Ms. Aminata Tommy, Co-founder and Regional Coordinator, East Sierra Leone Unites and Mr. Abdul Rahman Kowa, National Director Sierra Leone Unites.