By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
The All Political Parties Association (APPA) has in a press statement called on all registered political parties to condemn and disassociate themselves openly from incitement and hate speech. The statement which was released last week reminded political parties of their commitment to a communiqué that was signed last year by 12 of the 17 registered to political parties to promote national cohesion.
APPA is the latest political actor to add its voice on the growing calls for an end to hate speech and incitement on social media platforms, predominantly by supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLLP) and the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC).
The call to end hate speech and incitement was initiated last week by the civil society group, Campaign for Good Governance (CGG). That was followed by calls from other actors, including political parties, religious leaders and the Human Rights Commission.
In its statement, APPA said: “The association calls on the leadership of the 17 registered political parties to disassociate themselves from these audios and videos and to advice their members and supporters to desist from such…”
Audios containing inciting statement, shared on social media, have been blamed for recent unrests in some parts of the country, which have led to the loss of property and lives, according to a recent report done by civil society groups which investigated the recent violent unrest in the northern city of Makeni.
“The online conversation bordering on hate speech has continued to threaten the peace and stability of our country and tends to create bad blood between peace loving Sierra Leoneans,” APPA’s statement continued.
Last week, the ruling SLPP condemned one of its supporters who allegedly recorded and shared an inciting audio targeted at members and supporters of the APC.
The APC has however stopped short of condemning its supporters for recording and sharing vulgar and incendiary audios about the ruling party and other members of the society.
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