AYV News, January 31, 2025
Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion in Sierra Leone, Hawa Samai has urged Paramount Chiefs and other local leaders to champion peace as the country prepares for political parties’ lower-level elections and national census.
Madam Samai underscored the critical role of traditional leaders in ensuring that the forthcoming lower-level political party elections and the national census are conducted peacefully and harmoniously.
In a move to strengthen Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustained peace and stability, the executive secretary expressed her gratitude to the paramount chiefs for promoting peace and fostering unity within their chiefdoms.
Hawa Samai said: “Your active participation in matters of national interest has been pivotal in defusing tensions and promoting dialogue at the grassroots level. I urge you to remain steadfast in your efforts to cultivate a climate of mutual respect, understanding and cohesion”.
She said their active participation in matters of national interest has been pivotal in defusing tensions and promoting dialogue at the grassroots level. Recognizing their unique position as custodians of culture and mediators within their communities, she urged them to remain steadfast in their efforts to cultivate a climate of mutual respect, understanding, and cohesion.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the ICPNC-SL is planning a series of regional consultations aimed at deepening the collaboration between traditional authorities, the Inter-Religious Council and District Security Committees (DISEC). These consultations, she explained, will serve as platforms to explore innovative approaches to peacebuilding and to discuss strategies for consolidating stability in chiefdoms across the country. “The active involvement of Paramount Chiefs in these engagements is crucial to our shared vision of transitioning from negative peace, characterized by the absence of conflict, to positive peace, which embodies justice, inclusivity and sustainable development,” Madam Hawa Samai emphasized.
She further highlighted the importance of ensuring that the upcoming lower-level elections, which are integral to the democratic process, are conducted in an atmosphere free from violence and acrimony. Paramount Chiefs, she noted, are uniquely positioned to act as neutral arbiters, fostering dialogue and resolving disputes that may arise during the electoral process. “Your leadership and impartiality are critical to diffusing tensions and ensuring that the will of the people is respected,” she remarked, urging the Chiefs to engage their communities in peaceful dialogue and civic education initiatives.
The Executive Secretary also emphasized the significance of the national census as a vital tool for development planning and resource allocation. She called on the Chiefs to sensitize their subjects about the importance of participating in the census process, while also ensuring that it is conducted without disruption. “A credible and peaceful census is key to understanding the needs of our population and addressing them effectively. Your role in mobilizing your communities cannot be overstated,” she noted.
Madam Hawa Samai praised the collaborative efforts between the Commission and the traditional leadership in addressing past challenges. She acknowledged the proactive measures taken by many Paramount Chiefs to mediate conflicts and promote social harmony, often under challenging circumstances. This, she said, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their people and the nation at large.
The proposed regional consultations are expected to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious figures, security personnel and civil society organizations, to deliberate on actionable strategies for promoting peace. The discussions will focus on conflict prevention, community engagement and the establishment of early warning mechanisms to identify and address potential sources of tension.
