AYV News May 17, 2023
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion in Sierra Leone has joined the world to commemorate the International Day of People Living in Peace.
May 16 is observed every year as International Day of People Living in Peace. The commemoration of this day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together as a people and endeavour to be united even in face of our differences and diversities, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.
A message from the Peace Commission says: “Since the end of the 1l-year civil war, Sierra Leoneans have largely been living in peace and the country, according to the current Global Peace Index, is rated the fifth most peaceful country in West Africa and the most peaceful in the Mano River Union.
“Sierra Leone can also boast of successfully conducting four peaceful democratic elections and two peaceful regime transitions. As Sierra Leone joins the rest of the world in observing the day, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion is urging Sierra Leoneans to continue to maintain peace at all times and live in harmony with one another even as we are in the wake of the Multi-Tier General Elections slated for June 24th 2023.
“The Commission notes that while elections are part of the democratization process, if not handled properly, they can undermine the very essence of democracy and create discord or division, which in turn can destabilise a country and hinder the country’s development.
“The Commission has been engaging various stakeholders including Paramount Chiefs and political party executives about the need to uphold the peace of the country.
“As a people, if we are to continue living in peace, a very act that has now been globally recognised and celebrated today, it behoves us all to encourage one another to jealously guard the peace before, during and after the elections.
“The ICPNC thus, joins the International Community in observing all Sierra Leoneans a Happy “International Day of People Living this s day and thus, Peace” efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity”.
