By Millicent Senava Mannah
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), commonly known as the Peace Commission, marked the International Day of Peace on Monday, September 23, 2024, in a significant event held at the Bintumani Conference Hall in Aberdeen, Freetown. The gathering brought together local and international partners, dignitaries and community members to celebrate the global commitment to peace and solidarity.
Observed annually on September 21, the International Day of Peace aims to promote peace and highlight the importance of global cooperation for a sustainable world.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the event, Dr. Idriss Mahmoud Tarawallie, emphasized the vital significance of peace for Sierra Leoneans, particularly in light of the country’s historical challenges. He stated that this year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” is particularly relevant given the myriad crises, geopolitical tensions and increasing societal divisions witnessed worldwide.
Rev. Shodankeh Johnson, Board Chairman of ICPNC, expressed gratitude to international and local partners, civil society organizations and supporters for their contributions to the Commission’s establishment. He remarked, “Peace is not a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. We must remain committed to this journey together, understanding that peace should become our daily lifestyle and eventually our culture.”
He reflected on Sierra Leone’s recovery from war, acknowledging the progress made while underscoring the need for continued effort.
Rev. Shodankeh Johnson emphasized the importance of correcting historical narratives, stating, “It was not diamonds that brought the war, but bad governance. We must write our own story.”
The Board Chairman called for unity against tribal conflict, emphasizing the shared goal of building a peaceful nation for future generations.
UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana delivered a keynote address, stressing the complexities of sustaining a culture of peace amid global challenges, including technological warfare and social divisions. She noted, “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s declaration on a culture of peace, a testament to our collective commitment. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it’s an active, participatory process that encourages dialogue and understanding.”
Seraphine Wakana emphasized that peace is essential for all humanity and urged attendees to recognize their role in fostering it. She asserted that cultivating a culture of peace involves promoting justice, equality and hope while addressing discrimination.
The ECOWAS Country Representative, H.E. Arouna Moussa, spoke about the persistent challenges in West Africa, particularly the resurgence of terrorism, which hampers regional development efforts. He noted that youth engagement remains a significant issue in promoting peace.
An Irish Ambassador representative, who is the Deputy Head of Mission, Carol Hannow, echoed the appropriateness of the day’s theme in light of current global crises, reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to sustainable development, governance and democracy.
The Civil Peace Service representative highlighted the importance of partnerships with the ICPNC and encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to embrace peace and unity.
Hon. Kemokoh Conteh, Chairman of Public Administration Political Affairs in Parliament, commended the Commission’s efforts, asserting that Sierra Leoneans share more commonalities than differences. He celebrated intermarriage and cultural ties as unifying factors in the nation.
Gerald Hatler, representing the EU Ambassador, emphasized the critical need for peace and national cohesion, while Joseph Ben-Kaifala of the Monument and Relics Commission called for collective remembrance of the war’s victims to prevent future conflicts.
The event featured speeches from representatives of the National Youth Commission, Women’s Forum, MARWOPNET, Children’s Forum Network and Talking Drum Studio, interspersed with traditional performances and a theme song to conclude the celebration.
Earlier on Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion commenced the commemoration of International Day of Peace with a peace march or flout parade themed: “Cultivating the Culture of Peace for National Cohesion.” The march, which was aimed at spreading the message of peace across the country, saw participants walk from Up-Gun to Bus Halt on Brookfields in Freetown.
The event marked the third consecutive year the Peace Commission has joined the global celebration of peace, which is recognized worldwide.
On that day the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Moses Margao, thanked the attendees for their participation and underscored the importance of cultivating peace as a daily practice.
He explained that fostering peace involves rejecting divisive elements like tribalism and corruption while promoting Sierra Leone’s positive values.
“The theme this year, ‘Cultivating the Culture of Peace for National Cohesion,’ reminds us that peace must be a habitual part of our lives,” he underscored. He also highlighted the Commission’s initiatives, including the establishment of a Peace Situation Room and a toll-free hotline (898) for citizens to report issues that may threaten national peace and security.
The Deputy Executive Secretary stated that the Peace Situation Room serves as a proactive platform where community members can raise concerns about potential threats, with the Commission working to ensure prompt responses to maintain national cohesion.
Paul Brima, Project Officer of Taking Drum Studio-SL in his address highlighted the importance of inclusivity in building a peaceful society. He emphasized that achieving peace requires considering all individuals equally, without bias or discrimination.
“To cultivate a culture of peace, we must involve marginalized groups and foster tolerance for one another,” he stated. He noted that conflicts often arise in public spaces, such as markets or transportation hubs, due to unaddressed emotional burdens and called for collective efforts to eliminate prejudices based on tribe, religion or background.
He concluded his remarks with a strong call for inclusivity, stressing that a peaceful society can only be achieved when all voices are valued in governance.
Kamanda Bongay, Chief Fire Force Officer of the National Fire Force, linked peace to broader issues such as justice, food security and education. He praised the Government’s efforts to ensure food sufficiency and equitable access to justice, noting that these achievements contribute to national peace.
He also reflected on a significant upcoming milestone for Sierra Leone, its role as chair of the United Nations Security Council in August 2024. “This is a moment of national pride,” he said, emphasizing that Sierra Leone’s leadership on the global stage is a testament to the country’s efforts to maintain peace.
He encouraged continued engagement with hard-to-reach communities, stressing the importance of national cohesion in sustaining peace.
Superintendent Samuel S. Conteh, Deputy Head of the Community Relations Department of the Sierra Leone Police, highlighted the coordinated efforts of various police teams in ensuring public order during the peace march. He extended gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, the Operations Support Division (OSD) and the broader police force for their contributions.
He underscored the significance of International Peace Day for Sierra Leone, known locally as Mama Salone and called for a shared commitment to peace. “Peace is our most valuable asset,” he said, urging the public to embrace mutual respect and acceptance, regardless of regional differences.
In his concluding remarks, he reaffirmed the Police Force’s dedication to promoting non-violence, emphasizing that peace is at the core of their mission.
Other speakers, including the representative of Marwopnet, made salient statements in which they underscored the importance of the prevalence of peace for development to thrive.
