“We were expecting such meeting as elections are now over and all of us should work together for inclusive governance” Chief Mansaray emphasized. He said it has been very difficult for traditional leaders to work with the District Council to collect revenue because they were not working together.
The new chairman of Koinadugu District Council, Alex Sorie Conteh referred to the dialogue as a blessing in disguise, adding that if they are not united it will be very difficult for communities to develop.
“The primary objective of this meeting is to promote district cohesion, peace and unity and a robust revenue mobilization” he said, adding the peace that will attract development to our district is solely our responsibility. Our development should be shouldered by us and blamed on us if we fail to our people.
Executive Director, Fambul Tok International-Sierra Leone, John Caulker said the whole idea of the dialogue is to create space for stakeholders to discuss pertinent issues affecting the district.
“There are lots of potentials in the district but if activities remain uncoordinated you will not realise anything, therefore part of the meeting will give you an opportunity on how to resolve issues and work towards joint revenue mobilization”Caulker stressed
He said President Bio, in his commitment to national cohesion promised in Parliament, the setting up of an Independent National Peace and Cohesion Commission which will be charged with the responsibility of bringing peace and unity in communities. He mentioned UNDP’s project aimed at restoring peace, especially in post election hotspots communities in the next three months
Paramount Chief Foday Umaru Jalloh of Kalian chiefdom called for election related/land dispute issues to be resolved immediately by the Inclusive Committee. He explained his colleague chiefs have lots of problems to collect revenue. He called for joint revenue collection with the District Council
District Officer,Koinadugu, Ajina Mansaray in his remarks lamented over the political atmosphere in the district. He said there are lots of issues, including tribal supremacy, boundary and land. He called on Fambul Tok, through the Committee to work closely with other structures to resolve the issues.
Hon.Foday Lamin Kabba of Constituency 044, Sengbe chiefdom acknowledged the work of Fambul Tok for the past years in the district. He called on every indigene in the district to be peaceful and work towards development.
The dialogue was fruitful as action points and way forward were reached. Some of them include, ensuring cohesion in communities, transparency and accountability in relationship and resources and monitoring of development projects.
