AYV News, August 14, 2023
The Secretary-General for the Commonwealth, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC has issued a statement encouraging political leaders in Sierra Leone to adhere to their commitment to peace and unity made in May.
The statement looked back at a pivotal moment on 25th May, 2023 when political parties in the country came together after months of harmonious and productive discussions. She stated that in a show of unity, the leaders of these parties pledged to work towards maintaining peace and tranquility within the nation calling upon all stakeholders to honor the terms of that critical commitment.
Secretary-General Scotland underscored several key elements including the necessity for calm and responsible leadership, the presence of well-functioning institutions, an unwavering dedication to justice and the rule of law and a collective endeavor to unite rather than foster division among the populace.
She iterates the steadfast support of the Commonwealth, emphasising a commitment to actively facilitate peaceful and constructive dialogues. The statement resonates with the aspirations of countless individuals across Sierra Leone, the African continent, and the global community. The resounding hope is that Sierra Leone’s exceptional attributes of courage, integrity and unity will continue to shine, even in the face of adversity.
She said the commitment to justice and the rule of law, and an active, collective choice to unite rather than to divide is part of the democratic process which requires calm and responsible leadership, and functioning institutions as required.
Her statement reads; “On 25 May, following months of peaceful and constructive dialogue, the leaders of all of Sierra Leone’s political parties accepted the invitation to stand before the nation and pledged themselves and their supporters to peace. Today, I call on all to honour the terms of that commitment.
“The democratic process requires calm and responsible leadership, functioning institutions, a commitment to justice and the rule of law, and an active, collective choice to unite rather than to divide.
“This is not always easy, but it is the essential foundation for peace and progress, and Sierra Leone’s own history underlines its importance.
“In challenging times, leadership matters. This is the moment for Sierra Leone’s leaders to engage in peaceful, constructive dialogue to honour the promises they made to the people when we stood together in Freetown, and to ensure a strong democratic inheritance for future generations.
“I said then, and I say again now, that the Commonwealth is with you. I offer my full support and engagement in helping to facilitate that peaceful, constructive dialogue, and I share the hopes of millions across Sierra Leone, Africa and the world that the courage, integrity and love which make this nation so special will not fail.”
