By Politico staff writer
As part of their commitment to ensuring violent free elections, the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Caritas on Tuesday 20 June 2023 organized a non-violence training workshop with Religious Leaders, Civil Society Organisations, and Community stakeholders at Caritas Hall in Bo, southern Sierra Leone.
Speaking on the purpose of the workshop, the host coordinator who doubles as the national Secretary General of inter- religious council Sierra Leone Reverend Ousman Fonnah said the workshop is geared towards educating religious leaders, civil society Organisations, commercial motorbike riders, market women, and other community stakeholders which in turn will educate members of their various organizations and denominations.
He said as the country goes to the polls on Saturday. He admonished people to uphold the country’s values of peace justice and national cohesion to maintain before, during, and after elections. He explained that similar workshops have been held across the country to ensure that people are aware of the early warning signs that will lead to violence. He said they expect religious leaders to preach the same message to their various constituents at all times.
In his statement, Rev. Emmanuel S. Farma, chairman of the inter-religious council for Bo district said the training is timely. He said he is grateful to the Catholic Relief Services and Caritas for organizing the non-violence training workshop as the country goes to polls on Saturday.
Rev. Farma encouraged all political parties and their members to put the country above all other's interests.
“We are one country and one people. So let elections or politicians don't divide us and allow them to destroy our beloved nation", he said.
In her statement, Melrose Messe Dongboi called on the youths to deviate from violence and maintain peace during the June 24 elections. She said when the country is not peaceful people living with disability will suffer the most, noting they cannot move by themselves.
The workshop climaxed with a presentation of the peace document that was signed by political parties to uphold peace before, during, and after the June 24 multi-tier elections.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (23/06/23)
