By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The Provincial Security Coordinator East, Office of National Security (ONS) Mustapha Bornie has cited men’s secret Poro Society as one of the current security challenges in the region.
Bonnie told Politico that there are some areas that can be considered as prone to security breaches in the region especially Kenema city and some villages where the society has been reportedly used by some of its members to intimidate non- society individuals.
He said they have received reports of men being chased, harassed and forcefully initiated into the society, a situation which he said has become of great concern to the security authorities.
He however acknowledged that the society has its values and norms, creating a unique culture and should be maintained.
He said security coordinating bodies embark on engagements with local authorities in communities where the initiations have been held, in order to caution and guide them to go in accordance with the laws that govern the state.
He further stated that senior members of the poro society should be better placed to regulate the activities of the younger members so that the value of the culture and the peace of communities will be maintained. Bonnie spoke of the vital role traditional leaders have to play in ensuring that the poro society does not become an instrument that will serve as security threat to other people that are non- members.
The ONS officer disclosed that another matter frequently reported to the district security committee has to do with land, which has led to boundary disputes between communities or chiefdoms.
Talking about environmental issues, the ONS officer said the massive deforestation on the Kambui forest because of gold mining and charcoal burning has posed serious environmental threat to Kenema. He warned that if the authorities in Kenema city and conservation agencies do not intervene on time to put measures in place, it will lead to environmental disasters including water shortage.
He also commented on the fires that intermittently occur in the district and cited one that recently happened in Bandawo village in the Niawa chiefdom which saw foodstuffs of some families destroyed. Bonnie said an assessment has been done by a joint team to know the gravity of the problem faced by the affected fire victims.
He emphasised that the security situation in the region is relatively calm with no major incidents like armed robbery. He praised members of the security committee for their timeliness in responding to some security threats, through community engagements.
He gave assurances over the preparedness of ONS ahead of the 2023 elections based on the threat assessment done during the 2018 electioneering period.
He affirmed the continued collaboration of ONS and other partners in ensuring that there is proper stability in the region and the country as a whole.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (16/02/22)
