By Sulaiman Jalloh
The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) have, in joint press release issued out on Monday 3rd June, 2024, called for calm.
The two main political parties have decided to unite in order to fight hate speech and promote peaceful political discourse. “The SLPP and the APC express our concern over the rising tensions in our political discourse both within Sierra Leone and among our diaspora communities,” excerpts of the press release states.
Meanwhile, the move by the two main political parties to foster peace has won plaudits from many quarters as many political pundits have described it as a step in the right direction.
See press release below:
3rd June 2024.
𝗦𝗟𝗣𝗣 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗘
The Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the All Peoples Congress (APC) express our concern over the rising tensions in our political discourse, both within Sierra Leone and among our diaspora communities.
The SLPP and APC have jointly committed to the Agreement for National Unity to address these challenges. This landmark agreement aims to:
– Peacefully and respectfully resolve political differences
– Strengthen our democratic institutions
– Resume regular cross-party dialogue
– Unite Sierra Leoneans across all divides
This pledge reflects our shared dedication to advancing Sierra Leone’s broader national interest.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆:
We firmly support free speech and freedom of the press as fundamental rights that uphold our democracy. However, these rights come with responsibilities and must never be abused. The SLPP and APC both believe that:
– Free speech should not be used to incite violence.
– Individuals should not be disparaged based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, or political affiliation
– Hatred against any ethnic or religious group must not be spread
𝗗𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵:
We are gravely concerned about recent instances of hate speech by some political commentators, both in Sierra Leone and abroad. Such behavior is unacceptable and contrary to the values of both the SLPP and APC. We call on all Sierra Leoneans to reject hate speech and understand that it has no place in our political discourse.
𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
The SLPP and APC support the investigation and prosecution of individuals who incite violence, as it is a crime under Sierra Leonean law. These actions must adhere strictly to legal and human rights standards. In the current political climate, protecting the rights of all SLPP and APC members and supporters is crucial.
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁:
We urge our international partners to support our efforts to ensure justice is served fairly and thoroughly. Their assistance is vital in maintaining a just and peaceful society.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲:
As the deadline for the final report of the Electoral Review Committee approaches, we anticipate an intensification of political discourse. We call on all Sierra Leoneans to engage in this dialogue respectfully and with dignity, avoiding personal attacks and threats of violence. Hate speech has no place in our country, and those who spread it have no place in our political parties.
𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
The SLPP and APC are dedicated to continuously monitoring and addressing hate speech and violence. We will collaborate with civil society organizations and international partners to ensure a safe and respectful political environment.
𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆:
Together, the SLPP and APC are committed to building a peaceful and respectful Sierra Leone for all its citizens. Let us unite to create a future where political discourse is conducted with respect and our democratic values are upheld.
SIGNED
Umaru Napoleon Koroma
National Secretary General-SLPP
SIGNED:
Lansana Dumbuya
National Secretary General-APC
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, June 5th , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
