Pay the wounded soldiers now!
The issue of soldiers wounded during the decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone has dragged on for far too long. It seems no one has been listening to their cries. This is too sad!
It is well known how these soldiers came to be disabled citizens of their fatherland. They were subsequently declared unfit to continue serving in the army.
As a people, we need to acknowledge the invaluable sacrifices these ex-soldiers made towards the protection and preservation of the territorial integrity of our sovereign state and the dignity of Sierra Leonean.
We are also aware that these disabled soldiers have families to care for. While in active service they depended on their monthly packages to run their homes including the health and education of their kids.
Now that they are no longer in active service and therefore not on payroll, it will be heartless on the part of any government or its agency to hold on to their meager entitlements simply because those who should be sensitive to the plight of the ex-soldiers do not just care.
Sierra Express Media strongly condemns any funny attempt to subject the soldiers to further humiliation by giving them the cause to go out on to the streets to press home their demands. Give them what is due them without further delay
If we should recall, there are instances the wounded soldiers have been forced to protest in a rather quiet and peaceful manner in certain quarters, including the office of the Vice President and parliament, among other places for their end of service benefits.
Yet no tangible steps have been taken to address their welfare save the many unfulfilled promises or false assurances. Too bad!
It’s high time those in authority started the contribution of individuals or groups of individuals to nation building. We expect appreciating those entrusted with certain responsibilities to own up to those responsibilities without fear or favour and deliver for the good of all.
The ex-soldiers sacrificed their lives for others to live theirs in peace. So pay what is due them. Let the relevant authorities act now!
This is all we ask for on behalf of the disabled soldiers.
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