By Alpha Abu
Religious leaders at a meeting in Freetown arranged by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) are to embark on a nationwide fact-finding initiative, alongside a reconciliation drive, in the wake of divisions brought about by the just concluded elections in the country.
The post-election polarisation of the country on political lines and the acrimony brought about after the presidential election results were announced on Tuesday 227th June, prompted the peace commission to invite Christian and Muslim leaders to the meeting so they can help diffuse the tension.
Senior clerics from various churches and mosques in mostly central Freetown converged at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on Friday 30th June and held deep discussions on steps they should take to enhance nationwide unity.
They recommended that they should meet with President Julius Maada Bio and main opposition leader Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara of the All Peoples Congress (APC) and would brief both men on their findings, and try to bring an end to the tension in the electioneering process has brought.
They also recommended that an Inter-faith Day of Thanksgiving be set aside, for blessings, peace, and unity to thrive in Sierra Leone.
They resolved that it was time religious leaders speak the truth to political leaders, and be at the front in addressing issues of national concern.
ICPNC Chairman Reverend Shodankeh Johnson told the religious leaders that they should help preach peaceful co-existence in their communities, and to their various congregations.
Peace Commission Executive Secretary Hawa Samai said the clergy is the most listened to people in the settlements and have a great deal of influence which could be harnessed into achieving sustainable peace in Sierra Leone.
The APC leadership has disagreed over the presidential election results announced by Electoral Commissioner Mohamed Konneh last Tuesday which saw incumbent President Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), re-elected for a second 5-year term.
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