By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A team from the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), comprising the Deputy Executive Secretary, Moses Margao, the Director of Conflict Prevention, Philip Bona, the Director of MEAL, Lilian Wilberforce, Director of Communication, Fatmatta Kamara Jalloh re-commenced its district engagements targeting various districts in the country.
On Wednesday 12th October,2022 the team was at Mongo Bendugu, Falaba District. Four Paramount Chiefs from the district: PC Alhaji Fenda Modu Kamara 11 of Folasaba Kamba Chiefdom, PC Alhaji Shaku FK MarahV of Delmondugu Chiefdom , Regent Chief Shaku K Jawara of Mongo Bendugu and PC Hon Fasalie K P Marah of N’Yedu Chiefdom witnessed the program.
The district engagements are part of efforts to formally introduce the Commission to the people at district level and to brief them about the Commission’s undertakings since its inception, it plans and to discuss how as a people can be part of the Commission’s goal of ensuring peace and national cohesion.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission, Moses Margao, while commending the Chiefs and other stakeholders for responding to the Commission’s invitation assured that the Commission will ensure that the people are part of its activities pointing out that the staff cannot do it alone.
He disclosed plans for the creation of the “Most Peaceful District”, where prizes will be given to the most peaceful district in the country, which is also part of efforts to promote a culture of peace in the country.
The Director of Communications, in her welcome address earlier, said the large turnout of especially Paramount Chiefs was a clear manifestation of their commitment to the peace and stability of the county. She acknowledged the importance of local authorities to the sustenance of peace saying she looks forward to their continued support for the work of the Commission.
As custodians of peace, the Chiefs spoke of their common aspirations to bring development to the district and pledged to continue working together to maintain peace as well as consolidating peace in the entire country.
The Director of Conflict Prevention, Philip Bona and the Director of Monitoring , Evaluation and Learning at the Peace Commission, Lilian Wilberforce, made meaningful contributions during the programme.
All the traditional leaders praised the ICPNC team for taking the Commission to them and gave the assurance that they will take the message of Peace to every chiefdom and community within the district.
Civil Society Organization reps, women traditional leaders, children, political party representatives and youths among other, pledged to continue promoting peace in their various communities
Mongo Bendugu the headquarters of Falaba District is 76 miles.
The team also held a similar engagement in Kabala, Koinadugu District and Kamakwie in the Karene District.
A key highlight of the engagement was the identification of key Civil Society Organizations in the various districts for the setting up networks/coalitions which the Commission can work with, leveraging on their expertise and understanding of the issues in their respective districts.
