By Millicent Senava Mannah
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion has organized a special national dialogue for Paramount Chiefs across the country on promoting peace and national cohesion for the forthcoming general elections in the country.
The theme for the dialogue was: ‘Enhancing the Capacity of Paramount Chiefs on Conflict Resolution and Promoting Peace and National Cohesion and took place on 24th April, 2023, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
Speaking at the dialogue, the EU Delegation Representative, Serena Bertana, applauded ICPNC for convening the dialogue with the respected Paramount Chiefs as part of its initiatives to promote peace and national cohesion.
‘’There is no denying that the climate of peace and security is necessary for democratic aspirations to flourish, particularly in relation to the conduct of elections, as well as for ensuring economic and national prosperity,’’ she stated.
‘’As your title rightly says, your role is paramount in building a peaceful and cohesive society. You are the custodians of traditional governance and cultural values in your respective communities. As such, your voice and leadership are extremely influential and important in promoting peace, social justice, and national unity,’’ Serena Bertana noted.
The Executive Secretary of ICPNC, Hawa Samai, intimated that, they had started a dialogue with Parliament and according to her, they will not only have dialogue with the Paramount Chiefs, but will come down to district levels, and that they will also engage political parties’ executives at district level.
She continued that they will be selecting one Paramount Chief at each district to be part of the mediation team, in addition with ten persons who will also be selected to be part of the mediation team at each district.
Hawa Samai also encouraged the Paramount Chiefs that will not be selected to still preach peace in their districts, and to further see their roles and responsibilities as a way to bridge the gap and build peace and national cohesion.
She maintained that this is not a one-time meeting with Paramount Chiefs, but that it is a lifetime partnership with the Commission to promote peace and enhance national cohesion. She disclosed that they will be doing peace exercises in all the districts in activities such as jogging or walking.
The Head of Paramount Chiefs stated that, according to the 2009 Chieftaincy Act, one of their responsibilities is to ensure law and order. He added that, they are willing to share their experiences and also to learn from their experiences, adding that they are committed to ensure that peace and national cohesion is enhanced in all districts and the country as a whole.
