By Politico staff writer
In a move to foster peaceful co-existence, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) with support from UN-Women, has successfully completed the process of reactivating “Civil Society Coalitions for Peace” in six districts across the country.
The deliberations centred on the coalition's mandate, formation of executive leadership, and comprehensive needs assessment for capacity enhancement, among others.
In his opening address, Deputy Director of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Henryson Jusu, of the peace commission, provided an insight of the initiative, emphasizing the resounding public demand nationwide for the establishment of CSO coalitions. He underscored the significance of these coalitions in bolstering principles of good governance through enhanced public engagement, empowering CSOs at district levels to articulate concerns, opinions, and recommendations. He said such platforms facilitate direct citizen-CSO interaction, nurturing civic responsibility and democratic participation.
Speaking about the importance of the coalition, the commission’s Senior Programmes Manager, Prevention James Tamba Turay, urged participants to approach their roles with utmost dedication, emphasizing that district-level CSO coalitions serve as foundational pillars for sustainable peace nationwide. The meeting also delved into critical thematic areas, with a spotlight on challenges such as substance abuse, gender-based violence, educational conflicts, sexual offenses, early marriage, and deforestation. The coalition called upon the peace commission and other stakeholders to provide vital support in addressing these pressing concerns.
Turay also stressed the need for concerted efforts in pursuit of peace and societal harmony.
At the end of the deliberations, the Karene District Civil Society Coalition on Peace elected its executive with Brima Turay of Radio Sella emerging as chair and Mariama Thunkara-Mansaray representing Big Sisters organization as vice chairperson. The executive will serve for an initial two-year period.
In Pujehun district, the meeting at the council hall brought together twenty CSOs from the district.
Peace Commission’s Deputy Director of Research and Learning, Adekali Sheku Kamara, who led the team, said the primary objective of the meeting was to revitalize the Civil Society Coalition for Peace; breathing new life into collective efforts aimed at promoting stability and prosperity.
In the ensuing training session, participants were equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to establish and sustain the peace coalition, through collaborative endeavors and shared visions. He encouraged coalition members to work tirelessly for the betterment of their communities, putting the district’s interests above all else.
Madam Baby Sellu from Women of Wanjama, expressed appreciation to ICPNC for the invaluable training and support and pledged her organization’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace and stability in the district.
The Civil Society Coalition for Peace Pujehun District also established its executive with Emmanuel Fawudu as Chairman and Margaret Janjua as Vice.
In all six districts covered, members registered their commitment to achieving sustainable peace in their various localities.
The districts covered are Karene, Pujehun, Western Area Urban, Western Area Rural, Bombali and Kono
At the Karene District Council Hall in Kamakwie where the process commenced, there were in attendance representatives of various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focused on peace initiatives within their district.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (26/04/24)
