Stop the political violence in Sierra Leone
If the recent Constituency 104 Bye-Election violence in which some citizens were brutally attacked and stabbed is a prelude to the November 17, 2012 election, I want to remind those who choose violence over democracy that our nation is not ready to tolerate such unwarranted criminal conduct. That Sierra Leone is prepared to guard its hard earned peace and security regardless of who are the perpetrators and victims of violence. And that the people will never again be subjected to conflict manifested by coward politicians who put their ambition above the national security of Sierra Leone. (Photo: Mohamed C Bah, NDA Presidential Aspirant, author)
To those who believe in political violence and intimidation, our nation and its citizens are prepared to use its democratic and constitutional justice system to stop them from such outrageous insanity and unpatriotic carnage. No Sierra Leonean deserved to be stabbed, beaten and humiliated because they are simply exercising their right to vote. And to use knifes to stab innocent citizens is not only barbaric, cruel and inhumane, but disappointingly exposes the crude culture of some of our citizens who are enemies to peace and stability.
Indeed, this is a reflection of poor leadership being displayed at constituency and local levels. This is evidence that all political party leaderships must unequivocally condemn violence and communicate with their supporters that a peaceful democratic process is the only best hope for Sierra Leone. That is why I believe that a political party association (PPA) should be established to bring political leaders on the common goal of promoting peace, building trust and enhancing better relationship among them.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has being at the forefront of advocating for non-violence and continue to lead the way of engaging our citizens on a platform of political debate that will discourage any form of violence. We are committed to preaching the democratic principles of “non-violence” and applying the methods of respecting our divergent views, background and diversity to prevent conflicts.
I therefore called on APC, SLPP PMDC, UDM and other registered political parties to condemn any form of violence and promote the positive message of democracy through peaceful participation. We can no longer go back to the days of lawlessness and the senseless brutality that has robbed Sierra Leone of its prosperous future. Sierra Leone should be the champion of post-conflict democratization and the Sub Saharan nation that has the history and experience to teach other countries that conflict is an enemy of political progress and economic development.
May our nation be “the realm of the free” and may unity shine on the dark soul of those who plan to reverse our hard won peace. And may “the hills and the valleys re-echo our cry” for peace. May the “blessing and peace” envisioned by our forefathers “be ever thine own” in a sweet and beautiful “land that we all love, our Sierra Leone.”
Mohamed C Bah, NDA Presidential Aspirant
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