By Amin Kef Sesay
President Julius Maada Bio has, on the 13th July 2021, appointed the Chairman and eight Board members of the newly established Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion pursuant to Section 3(3) of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Act 2020.
The Commission will enhance national efforts to rebuild State institutions, improve security, promote inclusive democratic governance and create channels for dialogue and reconciliation.
The following individuals were appointed but subject to the approval of Parliament:
- Sheka Mansaray – Chairman
- Haja Mrs.Alari Cole – Board Member, Western Region
- Mrs.Olivia Fonnie – Board Member, Southern Region
- Mr Mohamed Salam Conteh – Board Member, Eastern Region
- Joseph .A Turay – Board Member, Northern Region
- Alhaji Suliaman Bah – Board Member, North-Western Region
- C.Sheku Fasuluku – Board Member, Paramount Chief
- Dr.Shodanke Johnson – Board Member, Religious Body
- Valnora Edwin -Board Member, Civil Society Organization
It could be recalled that on the 8th December 2020 the House of Parliament unanimously passed into law the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Bill that was presented before it by the then Honourable Chief Minister, Professor David John Francis, after several debates and scrutiny of the bill.
Professor Francis thanked the leadership of Parliament and Honourable
Members from all sides for bringing the process to a final stage of enactment. He called on Parliamentarians to look at the spirit of the bill and the genuine intention of His Excellency the President, Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio of making Sierra Leone a peaceful and develop country.
The Chief Minister stated at that time how he Commission will build the foundation for permanent peace and promote development in the country.
