By Dadson A. Musa

The Mano River Union Women and Girls Advocacy Network (MRU-WaGAN) has strongly condemned recent comments made by Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Opposition Whip of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, in which he alluded to the possibility of war following the 2028 general elections.

The civil society group labeled the remarks as reckless, inflammatory, and deeply irresponsible, especially in a country still healing from the scars of a brutal civil war.

Philip Rogers, a representative of MRU-WaGAN, stressed that women and girls suffered disproportionately during Sierra Leone’s civil conflict,” and as such, the advocacy network remains committed to preserving peace, stability, and development.

Our mothers, daughters, and sisters bore the brunt of the war. To even suggest the return of such violence especially in the name of politics is unacceptable, Rogers stated. “We strongly condemn Hon. Kamara’s statement and urge all political leaders to promote peace and national unity.”

He further referenced the United States of America, pointing out that despite one political party winning multiple consecutive elections, the opposing party did not incite war or destabilization. Democracy means respecting the will of the people not threatening chaos when outcomes are unfavorable,” he added.

MRU-WaGAN reiterated its call for a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic Sierra Leone, free from the kind of post-election instability that marred the 2023 elections. The group emphasized that preserving peace is not only a national obligation but a moral responsibility to protect the most vulnerable particularly women and girls, who often face the gravest consequences during conflict.

The organization’s condemnation aligns with its broader mission to promote peace, stability, and the rights of women and girls across the Mano River Union region, which includes Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.

MRU-WaGAN has a track record of advocacy, including campaigns for the release of Sierra Leonean women detained in Oman and active support for regional initiatives to combat gender-based violence.

As the country looks toward future elections, MRU-WaGAN urges all political actors to choose dialogue over division, and to prioritize national interest above partisan gain.

There is no development without peace. And there is no peace without responsibility in leadership, the organization concluded.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,8th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)