Chairperson Memunatu Pratt, Head of Department, Peace and Conflict Studies (FBC) in her opening statement said Sierra Leone is now amongst the group of nations that has stood the test of time promoting and addressing the challenges of conducting free, fair and credible elections and believing in the ideas of democracy and rule of law.
“We are also thankful that we have crossed this challenge as today there are many countries across the world that are now engulfed in civil war, violence, terrorism and political instability as a result of the lack of democratic practices especially denial of citizens’ right to elect their leaders,” Memunatu Pratt said.
The citizens of Sierra Leone, according to Pratt, have saved the nation by expressing their commitment to holding peaceful election and smooth transfer of power, noting that former President Ernest Bai Koroma held the tradition for smooth transfer of power since 2007.
Chairman National Council of Chiefs, P.C Fasuluku Sonsiama of Kono District noted that they heartily congratulate President Bio on his election as President of Sierra Leone in free, fair and democratic election, noting that they pledge their support, loyalty and commitment to working with him for the maintenance of peace, unity, security and development of the country.
“We have agreed to work with the print and electronic media and all shades of opinion in Sierra Leone in harnessing and propagating messages of peace, unity, development and prosperity under the new direction platform of President Bio,” P.C. Fasuluku said.
According to P.C Fasuluku they shall participate fully in all programs and activities outlined in the new direction, noting that they are dedicated to denouncing all forms of violence and hate speeches while creating strategies aimed at unifying the country.
“We shall name and shame those who try to divide and keep us apart,” he vowed.
“We will pursue all forms of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence amongst Sierra Leoneans from all regions, districts, cities and chiefdoms in our country,” P.C. Fasuluku said.
