Political tension and violence has compelled local organisations and authorities to call the international community to action. The latest call came from Office of the former President of Sierra Leone as the country’s security situation continues to degenerate. In a press release of 17th June, 2023, ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma called on inter-governmental agencies to step in now for the promotion of peace in the country.
“Let me take this opportunity to call on all champions and defenders of democracy, human rights, rule of law and peace building especially those who have stood with us during the darkest moments in our nation’s history including the United Nations, African Union, European Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Secretariat, Governments of the United Kingdom, United States of America, Nigeria, Guinea and Ghana to pay close attention to Sierra Leone. You should make your voices heard in the protection of peace, democracy and the rule of law in our beloved nation,” a portion of the press release reads.
The afore-mentioned organisations are crucial to Sierra Leone’s peace, stability and development. They played meaningful role in the transition of Sierra Leone from war to peace in early 2000. The time is here again as election is a source of violence that sometimes result into an all-out conflict.
The former President also called on Sierra Leoneans to create the conducive atmosphere for June-24 elections to hold. “Fellow Sierra Leoneans, we should not be distracted; our focus is on creating an enabling environment for citizens to exercise their civil and political rights peacefully,” Mr Koroma appealed. Instead of stoking flames of division, hate and conflict, he went on, Sierra Leoneans had to discourage and condemn violence in the strongest of terms.
He also called on political leaders and supporters to refrain from making “inflammatory” and “divisive” statements and work towards ending political tension in the country.
The former President also does not lose sight of the role of civil society and religious organisations in the maintenance of peace and tranquility within Sierra Leone as the country faces an election widely seen as one of the most controversial. “I also entreat civil society, faith-based organisations and the media to maintain a non-partisan position, be more vigilant and proactive in de-escalating the political tension. They should also continue to promote social cohesion and contribute to a peaceful outcome of the elections,” he further appealed.
Election management bodies, security forces and the judiciary are also urged to rise above primordial sentiments and put Sierra Leone first.
“I kindly urge the election management bodies, the security forces and the judiciary to put country first in carrying out your constitutional duties. Your work should respect the wishes and aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone. You have a duty to ensure that your conduct strengthens the confidence and trust of the people in sensitive jobs you are privileged to perform for our beloved nation,” former President Koroma stressed.
Although the three entities are the last to be appealed to by the former President, their role remains the most crucial to a peaceful and credible elections in the country. For many Sierra Leoneans, It is clear that Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), the Judiciary, the police and the army, have in recent times, contributed to the country’s political tension by their actions.
ECSL which is at the centre of the electoral process has been treated with the greatest suspicion as it tends to tilt the scale in favour of the ruling party, SLPP (Sierra Leone People’s Party). Printing of sub-standard voter ID cards, borrowing of election materials from neigbouring Guinea and refusal to publish accurate voter registration data have raised large eyebrows. The Chief Electoral Commissioner’s unguarded statements in the face of political tension make matters worse. Mr Mohamed Kenewui Konneh said he should not be questioned by anybody in the performance of his duties.
He does only what he deems fit. Almost invariably, PPRC Chief, Abdulai Bangura is allegedly acting in SLPP’s interest, a party that appointed him. Bangura imposes fines on opposition political parties for minor legal breaches while SLPP enjoys a field day.
The double standards in law enforcement also nurtures and nourishes suspicion among the public. Of course, the courts are the worst as judges and magistrates are there only to protect the ruling party’s interest. The judiciary, most times, pays attention to matters brought by the ruling party and ignore those of the opposition.
The arbitrary removal of 10 APC (All People’s Congress) parliamentarians from the legislature is a case in point. Bad precedents are always set by the judiciary especially in matters between SLPP and opposition parties. A large number of political opponents have been detained on of Judges and magistrates’ orders, most times, on false claims.
The political detainees are released only later without convictions. Former Ministers of Defence, Alfred Paolo Conteh, Political and Public Affairs Minister, Karmoh Kabba, Public Works and Maintenance Minister, Kemo Sesay are victims of SLPP’s terror and oppression tactics through the courts. The police and the army also have a slice of their own in the terror campaign.
Police and military brutality against members, supporters and sympathisers of opposition political parties are not uncommon, most times, perpetrated in ruling party strongholds. APC Members are key victims of police brutality in Kailahun, Pujehun, Bonthe, Kenema and Kono in South-East regions, strongholds of the ruling party.
In related scenes, police usually ignore reports of physical assaults made by APC members but accept those from the ruling party. A report from Bonthe narrated how an APC member was detained at the police station after being attacked by SLPP members on an APC campaign day. The naked discrimination practised by aw enforcers threatens the country’s peace and security, a situation that compels former President Koroma to call for appropriate action.
It is five years now since Mr Koroma handed over power to President Julius Maada Bio, and the transition was possible as many said Koroma created the conditions for free and fair elections after the end of his two terms.
As President at that time, he was a firm believer of democracy, and bore the responsibility to guard the country’s peace. When objections were raised in the conduct of the 2018 elections, the former President prioritised peace and allowed the smooth transition of power from his party, APC to SLPP.
In the last four years, the former President has dedicated much of his time to the effort of such institutions as the African Union, Economic Community Of West African States, the West African Elders Forum and the Brenthurst Foundation in the quest for peace and democratic transitions in Africa. Koroma still remains active in supporting the maintenance of peace and stability on the continent.
Back home, the situation is not the same; it is riddled with political tension, a factor that keeps the former President mute and modest lest he be misconstrued. His desire has always been for peace to reign and for the democratic process that the country has embarked on to evolve naturally since the end of the civil war in 2002.
Having served Sierra Leone for two consecutive terms in the immediate post-conflict period, he understands the toll of violence and destruction Sierra Leone has gone through. It is therefore safe to say peace building and reconstruction process is herculean and there is still much work to be done to improve livelihoods.
It remains unclear whether international and local organisations will heed to the former President’s call.
