By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Civil society groups across Sierra Leone country have condemned the "shrinking" political space in the country. The condemnation from more than 20 CSOs came following what they alleged were repeated attacks on activists and human right defenders.
According to a statement from the group, independent voices have come under physical, emotional and other forms of attack since last year’s general election.
“The escalating attacks on civil society activist(s) and whistleblower(s) have taken a toll not just on individuals but also on social justice activist(s) and human rights defenders, and in circumstances in which the agents of such acts of violence are often alleged to be state actors or their accomplices,” their statement reads.
Besides the attacks from outsiders, civil society on its own has had challenges in dealing with political divide within its ranks. The statement of this group affirmed fears that seeming political divide might only be getting worse.
“We are also concerned about the growing intolerance of dissenting civil society activist(s) and how the 'Us vs Them' dichotomy has manifested itself in various forms across the nation – from censorship fiats to acts of outright physical intimidation and emotional blackmail,” the statement adds.
Some citizens have in the past expressed dismay over the lack of neutrality among civil society activists.
Political analysts say the country is going through a deep divide which has impacted the democratic space of the country. The government has announced plans to hold a national cohesion conference dubbed ‘Bintumani 3’.
In connection with the government’s proposal, the civil society groups have expressed their support but called on independent bodies to take charge of the process instead.
“As civil society leaders, we have no doubt that the proposed National Peace and Cohesion conference is important and timely, but we are equally convinced that we will lose the essence of the proposed conference and ultimately unable to achieve the intended objective if not organized by independent and sincere actors and in good faith. It is in this light that we strongly recommend that the Bintumani III be led by independent moral guarantors of the Lomé Peace agreement with the active participation of all political parties, national and religious leaders,” the statement further reads.
© 2019 Politico Online
