By Alpha Abu
Representatives of major Political Parties, Civil Society, the Security Sector, traditional rulers and the Inter-Religious Council are taking part in a peace-building training programme organised by the regional body ECOWAS in partnership with Sierra Leone’s Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.
The two-day event which commenced at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown yesterday is the first high-level joint initiative by the two bodies aimed at capacitating the country’s key stakeholders for a peaceful June General Elections.
It has been realised that the high stakes placed on electoral processes have been largely responsible for the outbreak of conflicts and violence in the member states of ECOWAS.
The training is expected to enhance the capacity and skills of the participants on how to negotiate, dialogue and mediate as well as develop engagements to prevent electoral violence.
Participants in the training are expected to brainstorm and identify contentious issues surrounding the forthcoming elections and strategies to de-escalate tension before, during and after the elections.
Political actors and the other stakeholders are especially to be sensitized on ECOWAS’ frameworks and support for inclusive, free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
In the end, participants would have enhanced their dialogue and mediation skills as tools for conflict resolution.
They would also have improved their knowledge, shared understanding and awareness of the level of preparations for the polls.
Police Assistant Commissioner, Khrushchev Kargbo in his statement during formalities prior to the start of the training spoke about the significance of the exercise at a time he said civilian and police lives have been lost because of violence fuelled largely by social media.
Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) Chairman Abdulai Masiambay Bangura used the occasion to highlight the challenges his staff face in dealing with political parties. He said the new Political Parties Act 2022 now gives the commission the mandate to exert its authority where necessary.
He spoke of how they insisted on the banning of political rallies which he said have been centred on dancing and not of any meaningful use. The PPRC boss unequivocally stated “We have had enough of dancing” and that it was time parties focused on issue-based campaign messages instead.
Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone Legal Affairs Director, Fatorma Fah Bundeh reasserted the commission’s commitment to run free, fair and credible elections.
Various speakers mentioned the polarisation of the political landscape, citing hate messages on social media which they said have created a toxic atmosphere.
The Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Sierra Leone, Harouna Moussa declaring the training formally opened, spoke of their commitment to ensuring the polls are transparent, free and fair.
Dr. Agadia Elachi- a certified negotiator and mediator, and Dr. Levinia Addae-Mensah- Programme Director for the West African Network for Peace Building (WANEP) are the training facilitators.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (19/04/23)
