By Alpha Abu
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has engaged stakeholders in Falaba District in its latest tour of the provinces to help diffuse political tension in the country.
Officials of the ICPNC held a discussion with a cross-section of the community people and local leaders at the Falaba district headquarter town of Mongo Bendugu. The visit was to present the commission and its activities so far, to the people, as well as to discuss ways they could all work together to promote peace in the country.
Four Paramount chiefs from the district: Alhaji Fenda Modu Kamara 11 of Folasaba Kamba chiefdom, Alhaji Shaku FK MarahV of Delmondugu chiefdom, Regent Chief Shaku K Jawara of Mongo Bendugu chiefdom and district parliamentary representative Fasalie K P Marah of N'Yedu chiefdom participated in the event which still carries the commission’s International World Peace Day commemoration theme: “End tribalism, build peace and national cohesion’’.
Discussions focused on how to discourage the use and dissemination of hate speech or the promotion of ethnic diatribes and nepotism. The need for constant engagement of the grassroots by political party leaders to help bridge the divide brought about by varied political allegiances was also highlighted.
The chiefs praised the ICPNC team for taking the commission to them and gave assurances that they will take the messages of peace and national cohesion to every chiefdom and community within the district.
CSO reps, women traditional leaders, children, political party representatives, and youths among others, pledged to continue promoting peace in their various communities.
ICPNC officials recently met with leaders of political parties in Freetown amidst the then-tense political atmosphere during which they exhorted the politicians to talk to their supporters about the need to maintain peace in the country.
President Julius Maada Bio supported the establishment of the peace commission last year, in fulfilment of one of the recommendations of the post-war Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (14/10/22)
