By Mabinty M. Kamara
The failure of the Sierra Leone Government to deal with grievances of aggrieved people over the course of the last two years created the environment for the current insecurity in the country, a new report has revealed.
The report contained in a position paper by the Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) argues that the government is to blame for the situation for failing to ensure fairness in the justice system in addressing numerous issues over the period.
The paper was done in the context of the recent spate of violence which has led to heightening of political tension in the country.
Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director of CARL, told journalists at the launch of the report on Thursday that the recent incidences of violence in Tombo and Lunsar were not entirely surprising, given their findings. He highlighted a number of violent incidences which occurred between January and May 2020, including clashes involving youths associated with the two major political parties in the country – SLPP and APC - which he believed contributed to the current situation.
“Our report shows that arrests were carried out. At least 15 or so persons were arrested. And a similar incident happened at Brookfields, around the APC headquarters and I am not aware that anything happened as a result of that. And the incident at Juba Hill at the residence of the Deputy Internal Affairs Minister. I’m aware somebody is on trial now,” Tommy stated.
“Now, why are we reflecting on these issues? We are reflecting on them to make a point that if the government of Sierra Leone had done a very good job at expeditiously and fairly and independently dealing with these acts of violence, perhaps, we would not have got these ones, but perhaps it is because we have been treating these incidents with eavesdropping, that is why we have this,” he added.
The study attempted to trace the genesis of violence over the last 24 months since President Julius Maada Bio took over governance of the country. It highlighted the political context, economic, accountability, justice and rule of law environment.
Incidents like the removal of APC lawmakers from Parliament, the violence in Constituency 110, among others, were all captured.
“Our point is that the recent spate of violence cannot be justified in any way, but as an institution, we think as a Center that it is important for us as a country and the government of Sierra Leone to reflect on key justice related issues that have happened in the last two years to be able to understand why there is a clear tension in the country,” Tommy said.
In the wake of the recent spate of violence, President Bio delivered a stern warning in a speech last Friday in which he accused the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of condoning violence. In that speech, Bio vowed to crack down on perpetrators, some of which the government believe are APC members. It attracted huge criticism for its reference of terrorism.
Tommy said the speech just “deepened the already intractable mistrust between the government and members of the opposition APC.”
As part of a number of recommendations, the report urges the President to be committed to transparency in efforts aimed at investigating the root causes of major violent incidences like the prison riot in Freetown almost two weeks ago.
The report also called on the government to keep dialogue channels open.
“We urge your Excellency to expand, rather than constrict the space for dialogue with the main opposition. Do not shut the door on dialogue,” part of the report appeals.
The recommendations also highlighted things that are expected from institutions like the Judiciary – specifically the Chief Justice and Director of Public Prosecution.
Political parties, citizens and security forces, especially the Police, are also urged to play their part in looking for a way to calm down the seeming political tension in the country.
CARL is an independent, non-profit organization that is seeking to promote a just society for all persons in Sierra Leone, through monitoring institutions of accountability and focusing on outreach and advocacy for institutional transparency.
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