As Sierra Leone joins the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace yesterday 21st September, 2022, the country’s two main political parties, the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have committed to upholding peace.
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio expressed his government’s commitment to peace, citing the Bintumani-III Conference as one which was inclusive and provided the opportunity for citizens and stakeholders to voice their frustration about the failure of governments to fulfil the recommendations of the 2004 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report.
It can be recalled that recently President Bio held meetings with state and non-state actors to discuss their role in government’s efforts at consolidating peace and democracy and seeking justice, following the August 10 violence that claimed innocent lives.
He said Sierra Leone has made promising strides in its transition from civil war to peace the sustainability of these gains is based on cultivating continued stability nationwide, adding that the establishment of the Peace and National Cohesion Commission (PNCC) by his government is a great stride of assurance that Sierra Leone is moving in the right direction in consolidating peace.
Also yesterday, Former President Ernest Bai Koroma reminded Sierra Leoneans that peace is indispensable to economic progress, to development and it is an enabler of unity.
He said sustainable peace can only be achieved by mutual understanding not by imposition, adding that those who achieve peace do so because they pursue it with an open mind, foresight and the willingness to engage frankly and genuinely.
The former president said: “For its immeasurable value to our lives, it is well worth it to be gracious in the pursuit of Peace”. Ended by saying enduring peace begins with individual mind-set.
International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September each year and the UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace.
The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.”
