Ex-Combatants versus Paulo Conteh
Interpretations and misinterpretations regarding the benefit of ex-combatants has invaded from four corners of Freetown and resultantly every nook and cranny of Sierra Leone. It has created a social chaos and a debuted if you like. Interestingly, like any other topsy-turvy, it has segmented our society to take sides.
While one faction, empathizing with the Ex-combatants, vehemently oppose the approach adopted by the Minister of Defense, Rtd Major Paulo Conteh (in photo) in meeting the demands of the angry and frustrated demonstrators, another faction only see the ex- combatants as rabble rousers who would have employed a minute formal, but intensive approach to register their dissatisfaction – instead of using umbrella as false guns, pointing them at hawkers and onlookers swinging their fingers as though they were pulling triggers; others lying down in street completely serving as bulwarks to harm as well as vehicles; taking off trousers and gallivanting half naked; and others threatening to spread off material hullabaloo if the demand is not met within the shortest possible time.
God forbid! God help us. We have not even started enjoying the sweet peace we attained from days ago.
We have had enough of violence!
Regardless of my designation, I don’t easily takes sides until and unless, I’ve heard for the two angles involved in a conflict.
It is indeed true that the truth often reveals itself after given much ears to parties in a conflict, yet it is sagacious to take sides moderately instead of thoughtlessly, blowing one faction against the other.
The Minister apparently explained in the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) that there is no intention of frustrating the ex-combatants instead they are taking the appropriate approach to identify the true beneficiaries and seek funds and pay off.
On the other hand, the ex-combatants hold that the government of Sierra Leone and the Minister specifically is taking them for granted.
Whatever is right, it is not our mandate to make judgment; we are only craving on the indulgence of the Honorable Minister to do things fast so that the ugly situation would come to a permanent end.
By M. S. Biro (The Pen)
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