“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist” – Mahatma Ghandi
Sierra Leoneans often speak to me about regional tensions: first Guinea; then Ivory Coast; perhaps soon the Liberian elections. When asked what reduces tension and prevents conflict they say “fair elections”, “faster development”, “non-political law enforcement” or “political integrity”. All of these help. But is there one essential quality that reduces tension and promotes peace? I think so – tolerance: accepting our differences and living together peacefully. (Photo: Ian Hughes)
Sierra Leone is proud of its religious and ethnic tolerance, and rightly so. Intermarriage thrives; prayers are shared; holidays celebrated together. Maintaining and improving this is crucial for national cohesion and peace. This is easier to talk about than achieve: religious and ethnic intolerance defines the conflict in Ivory Coast, for example.
But things aren’t that simple. Experience tells me that wherever there is discord, religion is rarely the cause. Conflict comes from the misuse of creed to distinguish “us” from “them” politically: Sunni/Shia in Iraq; Hindu/Muslim in India; Christian/Muslim in Ivory Coast.
To work its magic tolerance must define our relations with others in every aspect of our society, especially politics. If we politicize our differences as men and women, believer or atheist, black or white, North and South, gay or straight, how can we live together in peace?
Last week, Sierra Leone celebrated International Women’s Day. This year was special because it was the Centenary Celebration. Since Independence Sierra Leone has made good progress in women’s empowerment. But there is still a lot to do.
I meet intelligent, decisive women everywhere I go. Yet in recent Chiefly elections some women were intimidated or prevented from participating by their own neighbours. How can this dynamic 50% of the population be encouraged and enabled to contribute fully in society?
Democracy only succeeds with mutual tolerance. Government works for all citizens, not just its own voters. Opposition accepts – until the next elections – vital watchdog and whistleblower tasks. Unless we live and let live is the progress and development Sierra Leoneans need and deserve achievable?
Finally, democracy is not something to trot out when elections approach. Political parties and their supporters need to engage constructively on key national issues all the time. Is this happening in Sierra Leone?
Click here to read more of Ian Hughes blogs online.
Ian Hughes, British High Commissioner, Freetown
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