By Abubakarr Harding
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) kick-started engagements with various stakeholders in Freetown on how to collaborate to promote sustainable Peace in the country.
On Monday, 15th August 2022 the Commission met with the Executives of the transport sector including the Motor Drivers and General Workers Union, the Bike Riders, and Kekeh Riders Unions.
The Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Hawa Samai, informed members of the various Executive bodies that the meeting was geared towards discussing and mapping out strategies to consolidate peace, national cohesion and how they could work together to uphold them underscoring the important roles played by drivers in the country.
She continued by telling them of ICPNC’s intention to work with them with the objective of promoting peace in the country and to ensure that their members don’t get involved in conflicts or disturbances that have the potential of derailing the progress of the country.
The Executive Secretary admonished them to come up with suggestions on how the various Unions could collaborate and work with the Commission to be peace agents to their passengers, within their communities and even families.
On their part, the Union representatives expressed their willingness to work with the ICPNC, saying they already have existing structures at National, Regional, District and Park levels that are fully operational and through which they will channel their messages in partnership with the Commission.
The various Executive members underscored the importance of rolling out peace education right across the country, pointing out that war does not only lead to loss of lives and properties but also erodes donor confidence and forestalls job creation.
Kainnamu Kumabeh11 of the Motor Drivers’ Union said the activities of drivers border on the security of the country suggesting that peace messages to be developed should be apt and must appeal to their constituents. He also spoke of the need to involve boat owners whom he noted also are part of the transportation sector and are active in cross-border activities.
Madam Nassu Yarjah of the Bike Riders Union called on the Commission to also target owners of ghettos and Ataya bases.
Ibrahim Serry of the Kekeh Riders Union said they are ready to work with the Commission as Peace Ambassadors, adding that the process should start now to pave the way for peaceful elections next year.
The ICPNC on Tuesday met with the Executive body of the Market Women Association led by its Chairperson, Haja Marie Bob-Kandeh.
The importance of women generally and how market women, in particular, could promote peace in the country were discussed.
The Market Women Association also disclosed having existing structures across the country and expressed their readiness to work with the Commission to ensure lasting peace in the country.
The women highlighted a number of issues facing them which officials of the Commission said will be further discussed bringing other stakeholders on board.
