By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
Member of Parliament, Daniel Koroma of the main opposition All People’s Congress has claimed that their party has so far not been included in the ongoing Constitutional Review Process.
Koroma made this claim at a town hall engagement on the theme: ‘’The Future of Peace and National Cohesion’’ organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on 27th August 2024 at the New Brookfields Hotel.
He said despite his party’s exclusion, they still support the reviewing of the 1991 constitution.
He said successive governments have made laws that serve the ruling government, saying "That has been our problem’’.
However, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah reacted by saying the government would ensure that the review process is inclusive.
The Leader of the Market Women Association Sierra Leone, Marie Bob Kandeh in her statement urged government appointees to put the interest of the country first. She said the word peace is a broad term, citing that without food there would be no peace.
She urged the government and the opposition to make the citizens their priority, adding people are not ready for a change of attitude.
A representative from Purposeful, Josephine Kamara in her contribution noted that peace isn't about the absence of war, saying it involves common and shared understanding among people. She said equality and dignity should be observed to maintain peace.
She pointed out that Sierra Leone is not isolated from the rest of the world, and that global crises equally affect the country.
She called on citizens to know their roles in society and that women be included in national politics, saying it's one of the ways to promote peace.
Speaking at the event, a UN representative Rudolf Shwenk said without peace and cohesion there will not be any sustainable development.
He stressed the need for community dialogue, involving everyone. He said there should be trust between the government and the citizens.
Shwenk on another note, pointed out that Africa deserves a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (28/08/24)
