By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
May Our Courage Exceed Our Level of Violence
The words “May our courage exceed our level of violence” are more than just a phrase—they are a challenge to our society. They remind us that true strength is not found in anger, revenge, or aggression, but in the bravery to choose peace, forgiveness, and dialogue. Violence is easy, but courage demands self-control, patience, and wisdom.
Put simply, this statement means: May our ability to be brave in doing what is right always be greater than our temptation to fight or harm.
In Our Communities
Across Sierra Leone, everyday conflicts—whether over land, family inheritance, or disputes in the marketplace—too often end in quarrels or fights. The easy response is to strike back, but it takes real courage to listen, compromise, or forgive. A courageous community does not settle scores with violence; it builds unity and peace through dialogue.
Among Young People
For our young men and women, especially those struggling with unemployment and frustration, violence can sometimes feel like the only way to show strength. During football matches, social gatherings, or even school disputes, tempers flare quickly. But true courage is not throwing the first stone; it is walking away from provocation, choosing patience, and investing energy into education and skills. Even more, it is refusing to be used by politicians as instruments of violence.
Among Young People and the Fight Against Drugs
Our youth are Sierra Leone’s future, but too many are falling victim to kush, tramadol, and other dangerous drugs. These substances destroy lives, families, and communities, fueling violence, crime, and hopelessness. It is easy to give in to peer pressure or to numb pain with drugs—but it takes real courage to say no, to walk away, and to fight for a better life.
Courage here means seeking help, choosing education or skills training, and standing firm when friends try to pull you into addiction or violence. Violence and drugs combined are a recipe for national disaster, but courage and resilience from our young people can break this cycle.
In National Politics: SLPP and APC
Nowhere is this quotation more relevant than in Sierra Leone’s politics, particularly between our two main parties—the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC). For decades, political rivalry between these two parties has shaped our national life. Unfortunately, it has also too often fueled tension, division, and sometimes violence.
When elections come, the temptation for both parties is to mobilize supporters aggressively, spread insults, or react violently when results are not favorable. Yet, real courage is not found in how many supporters one can send to the streets, but in how leaders can guide their people towards peace, tolerance, and respect.
It takes courage for the SLPP to govern inclusively, ensuring that opposition voices are heard and respected. It takes courage for the APC to challenge policies without violence and to accept results through lawful means. Most importantly, it takes courage for ordinary citizens—whether wearing green or red—to place Sierra Leone above party colors.
A Call for Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s progress will not be measured by which party wins the loudest battles, but by whether our leaders and people have the courage to put the nation first. The next generation is watching. Let us show them that politics can be about service, not conflict; about progress, not destruction.
As the Krio saying goes: “Wan way nor dae lef wit violence, na wan way dae lef wit shame.”
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
