By Ralph Simeon Sesay
President Julius Maada Bio has stated, during the launching of the Bintumani III Conference, the conference is not about politics and politicians, but about how to chat a path that will sustain and make the democratic system better.
He stated that it is ridiculous for people, who claim to be interested in national cohesion, to choose not to attend such a conference. He called on Sierra Leoneans to engage in meaningful discussions that will speak to the issues of strengthening “our democratic institutions and make them better to respond to national issues.”
“As Sierra Leoneans we should look back and assess our democratic constitution, the TRC report, the CRC and undertake meaningful discussion” to help create the building blocks for the Independent and National Peace and National Cohesion Commission, which is a necessary infrastructure for peace consolidation, he told his audience.
He blasted politics that undermines the development and growth of our development strides, noting that the status quo was that of manipulating data for gerrymandering purposes. The President noted that looting and corruption were done with impunity because the looters were loyal to the regime.
President Bio called for all facets of the society to work together to create the National and Peace Cohesion and move the country forward.
The President was speaking at the launch of the three days national dialogue on peace and national cohesion. A host of people from all sections of the Sierra Leonean population have gathered in Freetown to make their views known.
Presentations were made by individuals representing the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, the Children’s Forum Network, Civil Society, Persons with Disability, media, Council of Paramount Chiefs, Women Forum, ECOWAS, Mano River Union and the United Nations.
Most and all of the presentations pointed out the relevance and timing of the conference to the admiration of many. The international partners, on their side, expressed their unflinching support towards efforts taken by Government to sustain peace and national cohesion in Sierra Leone, especially when tensions are very high after the March, 2018 elections.
Professor David Francis, Chief Minister in the Office of the President, was co-chair of the three days session expected to end on Saturday 25th May, 2019.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Political and Public Affairs gave the vote of thanks.