By Kemo Cham
The battle to safeguard Sierra Leone`s constitution is taking an international dimension as Sierra Leoneans in the United States justle for global attention. Two counter-demonstrations over the ongoing constitutional crisis sparked by the sacking of Samuel Sam-sumana as Vice President are scheduled for this Saturday.
A group fearful over the alleged deteriorating situation around civil liberties, and in particular opposed to President Ernest Bai Koroma`s sacking of his deputy, are staging their protest to force the President to reverse his decision. A counter protest by a group supporting the President and the Rule of Law in Sierra Leone is determined to show this to outside world.
Both demos, according to statements attributed to both parties, are scheduled for the same venue, near the White House in Washing to DC and on the same day.
Similar counter demonstrations are scheduled for April 27 at the United Nations in New York.
News about these protests come as the Supreme Court convened its first sitting on a law suit filed by attorneys for Mr Sam-sumana who is challenging his sack. His legal team, on the first day of the hearing on Thursday, filed for an injunction to restrain the appointed Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh from serving in the office while the constitutionality of the president's action is heard.
The ‘Concerned Sierra Leoneans for the Protection and Preservation of Peace, Democracy and Good Governance say the President's action threatens Sierra Leone`s fledgling democracy. They are calling on the world`s attention, notably US President Barrack Obama, for pressure to be brought upon the Sierra Leonean leader on the issue.
“We hereby call on the government of the United States to please bring pressure to bear on the President of Sierra Leone to reverse his decision and reinstate the legitimately elected Vice President of our republic & preserve the sanctity of our constitution,” the statement, signed by Dr Fuambai Ahmadu and Ahmed Dean Kargbo, reads in part. It described as “open defiance” of the basic constitutional principle of separation of powers and its checks and balances the President`s action and said it posed “a serious threat to the country`s peace, freedom and justice.
The group is also calling for the “immediate release of innocent Sierra Leoneans” in detention in Kono and other parts of the country, in reference to the recent arrests in the eastern district of people accused of violating the prevailing state of emergency. They also want people suspected of embezzling millions of dollars donated to the government for the fight against the Ebola epidemic prosecuted.
Supporters of this group say they it comprises people from all persuasions, regardless of political, regional or whatever affiliations.
"We hereby wish to inform the President that this is a non-partisan, non-ethnic and non-political issue for us but solely a matter of protecting and preserving the rule of law, our fledgling democracy, fragile peace and good governance," they assured in a statement copied to Politico.
Pro-government
The pro-Koroma group - Sierra Leoneans For Peace Standing with the President – wants the world to know about the ongoing constitutional process and say that should be the only way out.
"Since the matter is in the hands of the highest court in the land, Sierra Leoneans should respect the rule of law and wait for the court to render its verdict," a statement published on the pro-APC led government online outlet, Cockorioko, reads in part.
Madam Beatrice Conteh of Washington DC, named as one of the organizers of the pro-government demo, was quoted saying they will be rallying in full solidarity with President Ernest Bai Koroma and the Government of Sierra Leone.
“It will be a demonstration of our commitment to continue to support the President and the government and good governance in Sierra Leone,” she said.
She cited the President`s service to the nation and accused the opposition SLPP “and some dissident elements” for failing to show appreciation.
“Some power-hungry people want to divide the country for their own selfish ends but we are having none of it. We want our nation to remain united, not divided. We are promoting peace, tranquility and unity. Let us respect the law. Let us not take things in our hands,” she added.
Similar counter demonstrations are scheduled for April 27 at the United Nations in New York.
© Politico 10/04/15
