By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion commemorated International Day of Peace on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with a peace march themed: “Cultivating the Culture of Peace for National Cohesion.” The march, 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 marks the third consecutive year the Peace Commission has joined the global celebration of peace, which is recognized worldwide. In his opening remarks, 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.
He 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.
According to him, the peace celebration will continue on September 23, 2024, at the Freetown International Conference Center (Bintumani). The event is expected to bring together various partners, including traditional leaders, to celebrate Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to peace.
Paul Brima, Project Officer of Taking Drum Studio-SL, addressed 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.
The Peace Commission’s activities, including the upcoming celebration at Bintumani, are expected to further strengthen national unity and inspire Sierra Leoneans to continue prioritizing peace in their daily lives.
