ASALJIE wishes and prays for violence-free elections
The Association of Sierra Leonean Journalists in Exile (ASALJIE, Australia) has been closely monitoring the political events in Sierra Leone and is deeply concerned about the spate of violence in the lead up to the November 17 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, with particular reference to the incidents in Kono, Kenema, Freetown and some other parts of the country.
As Sierra Leoneans, we are all aware of our country’s recent past in which we witnessed and experienced some of the worst acts of violence in human history. The last decade has been a dark chapter in our country’s history as it was marred by some of the most heinous crimes that mankind has ever seen.
As a nation we have shown great fortitude, courage and resilience in recovering and moving away from our terrible past. As the country strives to maintain this recovery exercise, ASALJIE members unequivocally denounce any form of violence and intimidation perpetrated by individuals or groups against peaceful civilians in the process of casting their votes for candidates of their choice. We denounce the strong and furious political rivalry that is being translated into obscene languages and insults, which are obviously poisoning the minds of innocent children in the country.
We appeal to all political party leaders and their supporters to realise that the scars of war have not completely healed in our land and we ask them to cease all forms of hostility so that Sierra Leoneans would have a peaceful, quiet and successful election period.
We implore the international community and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute all those politicians that may be suspected of fanning mayhem either to disrupt the smoothness of the polls or to intimidate peaceful citizens.
We urge the Sierra Leone law enforcement agencies, especially the police force, to be more vigilant before, during, and after the elections.
We call on Sierra Leoneans everywhere to denounce all forms of violence, intimidation and other manifestations of lawlessness in our country even after the polls.
ASALJIE wishes and prays for violence-free elections!
Signed: Edison Yongai (ASALJIE Chairman)
ASALJIE Members
- Edmondson Sonny Cole
- Marvin James
- Abdul Rahaman Jalloh
- Anthony Bee Conteh
- Prince George-Coker
- Theodore Beckley
- Abubakarr Bangura
- Abdulai Timbo
- Michael Kamara
- Kenewa Gamanga
- Abubakarr Sidique Bah
- Amadu Bah
- Aisha Kamara (Miss)
- Tunji Cole
- Cecilia Bio (Miss)
- AlimamyDaramy
- Edison Yongai
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2012, https:. All rights reserved.
