British-Sierra Leonean, A-list Hollywood actor Idris Elba has appealed to Sierra Leoneans, especially the young people, to say no to violence and ensure peaceful elections on June 24, 2023.
Elba said: “Sierra Leoneans, I greet you all. My message to you at this decision-making moment in our country’s democracy is for us all, especially young people, to say no to any form of violence, be peaceful, go out on polling day and vote peacefully.
“Young people, the election is ours, let’s make it peaceful and free. Sierra Leone is the only country we have. Let’s not destroy it, let’s build and develop it for us and our children.
“As young people, the power is ours, let’s make use of the opportunity now and do not take our country aback but forward. Let’s change the narrative, not only that Africa is watching but the whole world is watching.
“I am a proud Sierra Leonean and I know you are also proud Sierra Leoneans. So, let’s use this election to show the world that we are peace-loving people. Let’s maintain our credibility that we are known for globally. Peace!!”
Idris Elba was recently awarded with a Sierra Leonean Diplomatic Passport and pronounced a Brand Ambassador for Sierra Leone.
During his recent visit in Sierra Leone, Elba said he feels good to come back home to be welcomed by his country people. He said the country had gone through a lot with a scarred image, which needed a conscientious effort from everyone to change that perception and create a new narrative.
Idris Elba said: “We have tried our best to change the narrative but we need more hands on deck. We should now be telling the world a new narrative about a Sierra Leone that is ready to grow and a nation that is ready to be the hub for innovation and technology in Africa and a nation that is looking forward.
“I am honoured and thankful for the opportunity to become a citizen of my father’s country, it is an honour for my family. I had always wanted to come to Sierra Leone and make a mark. I am thankful that my career had afforded me and my family the ability to come back to Sierra Leone with determination to rebrand the country.
“This is my first visit to Sierra Leone but will not be my last. I will love to bring with me the new energy that President Bio is so focused on. I am very excited for this honour and I want to take this honour to make the President and people of Sierra Leone proud of me.”
Elba’s father, Winston Elba, migrated from Sierra Leone to the United Kingdom in the late 1960s where he met with his Ghanaian mother, Eve Elba. He is also a producer and director continually securing his place as one of the most versatile performers in Hollywood.
He is a winner of several accolades for his distinguished service in the field of entertainment. In addition to his Golden Globe win, he is the first male actor to receive dual Screen Actors Guild awards in one evening.
Elba’s comments come on the same day that the commonwealth observer group in Sierra Leone, led by former Nigerian vice-president professor Yemi Osinbajo, called for peaceful elections to reflect the will of the people.
“The eyes of more than 2.5 billion people of the commonwealth, more than 60% of whom are young people under the age of 30, will be upon Sierra Leone. Watching, in solidarity and in hope,” professor Osinbajo said.
However, Saturday’s election will be the country’s sixth presidential election since 1992. Thirteen candidates are contesting for the presidency, with incumbent President Julius Madaa Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and Dr. Samura Kamara of the All People’s Congress (APC) being the main challengers.
