By Amin Kef Sesay
Let us start this commentary with a big “thank you” to all the opposition members of Parliament and their political parties for rallying strongly behind the Government of President Bio in the fight against the corona virus disease in what is clearly a clear demonstration of the true spirit of nationhood.
In times of national crisis, such as the eleven years war that we experienced or the Ebola disease five years ago, the notion of unity is no stranger to States far and wide, let alone Sierra Leone.
Ethnic, cultural and economic strains that compromise national unity have long been engrained into our country’s post-colonial history. In light of that, efforts to bridge this ethnic divide since independence reflects the wide-spread recognition of the need for national unity in the fight against the corona virus disease.
That “we can be heroes” spirit has been ignited in the country again, only this time in earnest. As the coronavirus crisis unfolds, it’s crucial to remember we are stronger together.
The past weeks show that there remain things about which we can nearly all agree: among them the selflessness of the medical staff on whom we all depend, and the capacity for decency and kindness in communities up and down the land.
Since the emergency was declared, we have proved as a nation that we still at heart have more in common than that which divides us. There is justified fear of what may come. We can feel the anxiety in the voices of our isolated parents and grandparents; we might sense it in ourselves. Even so, much has already been taken on board.
Parents have taken up the challenges of home-schooling, teenagers have forgone social lives and weddings have been shelved, house moves postponed. The monumental shift in national behaviour has so far been brought about not by sanctions and fines but by common sense and fellow feeling.
As this crisis unfolds, we don’t need to unplug our memory of the short-sighted negligence of provision made in the past in the name of austerity. Now, more than ever, a Government that was elected playing fast and loose with figures must be held to its promises.
The weeks and months ahead will be less a political drama than a struggle waged in millions of individual lives up and down the land. It will be more quickly over if we hold in mind that, at our best, we remain all in it together.
National unity is the strength that binds and inspires the people of our country. Thus in reality, its protection, peace, independence and sovereignty are directly dependant on and relative to a nation’s pride, patriotism, and social cohesion also known as unity.
Integrity in the fight against corona is not dependent on social cohesion, but a nation’s cultural morals and Government ethics, which ultimately adds to or subtracts from the nation’s social unity/cohesion.
Thus, national unity defined as solidarity within citizens of a nation, with minimum sectorial practices and close adherence to law and order is very central and critical to a successful fight against corona, as happened with ending the RUF; as happened with ending the Ebola outbreak.
National unity in this sense does not imply homogeneity. It advocates rather, a “community of communities” which respects diversity and shared values, experiences and geographical relativity. To reiterate, national unity is essential in maintaining a harmonious and functional society at a crisis time like this.
Consequently, national unity now and subsequently societal stability is what will contribute to nation-building which principally revolves around economic developments which leads to elevated standards of living; and if channeled efficiently – decreased poverty rate and income disparity, benefiting the populace as a whole.
To conclude, beyond the current health emergency that we face, national unity is crucial for the growth of Sierra Leone in terms of guaranteeing societal stability and spurring economic growth for the betterment of the people.
Good governance, correct information and mass sensitization at all levels of society play an integral role in fostering this unity by equipping individuals with an educated and objective perspective on intercultural interaction, helping the nation to effectively and effortlessly navigate through the waters of diversity.
