Fambul Tok on Reconciliation Drive

Speaking during a two day dialogue meeting held for twenty-two villages in Fakunya Chiefdom, Moyamba District, the Executive Director of Fambul Tok International, John Caulker pointed out that with the experienced from the eleven-year brutal civil war in the country, Sierra Leone is at a crossroad and development became stranded due to antipathies and discord in communities.

Following the EVD outbreak-free declaration by the World Health Organization on Saturday, Mr Caulker said there is an urgent need to plunge into the communities to settle disputes amongst members.

He noted that where there is resentment there is no development. He said the spate of hatred among families and communities has the inclination of creating cultural instability that could threaten the peace and tranquility in the country. Mr. Caulker urged the people of the chiefdom to come out with their grievances and forgive those who hurt them during the outbreak. He maintained that the consequences of the virus in the country are adverse, but asked all to forgive and move on.

According to the Section Chief of Kpangulgo, Pa Bundu Ndoko, there is bad blood amongst community people resulting from finger-pointing regarding the origin of the EVD. He expressed optimism of peace and unity in his Section, due to the intervention of Fambul Tok International. He revealed that many people selfishly did bad things which hurt other people in various communities.

The Section Chief explained that people called the authorities and made false reports because of incentives promised them. He further stated that those people need to come out and apologize, in order to foster peace and unity in the community. He however cautioned it will be difficult to forgive.