By Millicent Senava Mannah
As a way of maintaining peace and national cohesion, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), has held a National Peace Jog March, on the 29th April, 2023, to raise awareness about the importance of peace during and after elections. The theme for the March was ‘I Stand for Peace’ or ‘Artinap for Peace’’ which was held in all parts of the country
They started at Waterloo in Freetown and ended at the Aberdeen Beach. People from all walks of life participated in the jogging or marching, including Kekeh riders, bike riders, ghetto boys amongst many others.
The Executive Secretary of ICPNC, Hawa Samai, commended all those who participated in the March for their efforts and courage further intimating that, the exercise is to get Sierra Leoneans to recommit themselves to enhance peace and cohesion in the country.
‘’The mission of the Commission is to facilitate coexistence, equity and inclusivity, to build the networks of competencies for conflict prevention, resolution and management for National Development. The main mandate amongst others, is to device strategies and measures to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts and to build, promote and maintain sustainable peace through National cohesion in the country,’’ she made reference to the Commission’s mission and mandate.
She urged her audience to maintain peace during and after elections, and how they should be ambassadors of peace in their communities. Furthering how, women also have a responsibility, to capture their men by advising them to abstain from anything that will disturb peace and tranquility in the country.
She noted that, they must guard the peace in the nation with jealousy, to avoid anything that will destroy the peace and tranquility in the country adding that they must all see themselves as Sierra Leoneans, and not along tribal lines.
The Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, applauded the Commission for their laudable ventures in promoting and peace and national cohesion in the country. He maintained that, they as a Force for Good will ensure that they give their utmost support to the Commission to in order to complement the good work they are doing.
He continued that they are committed to work hand in hand with the Commission to maintain peace and tranquility in the country, during and after the 24th June, 2023 elections.
The Head of Paramount Chiefs and Tribal Leaders, Chief Fasuluku, also commended the Commission for such an event, stating how it is very timely as the nation marches towards its elections.
He assured the Commission that they are committed to preach peace and unity in their various districts in the country saying they are aware of the fact that peace is in their hands, and how they would do everything in their power to safeguard the peace.
The representative of the opposition party affirmed that they as a political party are will work with the Commission to maintain peace and national cohesion, and how they will sensitize their supporters about the importance of peace during and after the elections.
The representative of the ruling party also affirmed their commitment to maintaining the peace and how they will educate their supporters to abstain from violence during and after elections.
