Indeed, it is of paramount importance for us as a nation to undertake stocktaking from how far we have come so far, examine the things that are keeping us apart so that at the end of the day we will build up recommendations as to how we could squarely deal with challenges.

This exactly what Bintumani 3 is all about, completely devoid of exclusively dwelling on partisan issues but rather to foster national cohesion and sustainable peace. Let us make no mistake that Sierra Leone is a fragile State, although we are not sitting on a time bomb, but there is the need to come together as one people to frankly discuss national issues and proffer solutions that may take us to a brighter future.

There are of course various complaints that have been coming up from certain Civil Society Organizations, individuals against State and Non-State actors. Indeed, we have relevant institutions that were set up to address grievances, impunity though the efficacy of some have been questioned but Bintumani 3 is not meant to usurp their functions but rather to strengthen accountability, transparency and at the end of the day promote peace.

Bintumani 1 which called for dialogue with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and Bintumani 2 which called for election before peace all had successful outcomes culminating in fostering peace and cohesion. It is highly likely and expected that Bintumani 3 will have a similar result. It is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.

Indeed, there is no justification to politicize Bintumani 3 which is intended to be purely a national dialogue and not the projection of the image of any political party. It should not be narrowed down to adjudicating any political impasse but rather to discuss national issues to take us from where we are today to another level.

At the end of the day recommendations will be made in order to close gaps, eliminate lapses and those suggestions will be documented which could form the basis that any Commission the will be set up or any existing institution will use to actualize them.

Sierra Leoneans it is high time we rise above parochial interests and put Sierra Leone first. Let all embrace Bintumani 3. May Common Sense Prevail!