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In a poignant statement, Abdul M Fatoma, Executive Director of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), addressed the deep-seated divisions threatening Sierra Leone’s democracy.
Fatoma emphasized that the country’s divides extend beyond politics, touching on the stark contrasts between poverty and prosperity across regions and within districts.
“Sierra Leone is deeply divided,” Fatoma stated. “The country is divided by poverty and prosperity, both between the South and North regions and within the more developed districts at the national level.”
Fatoma expressed concern over the current state of public discourse, where opponents are often viewed as enemies. This adversarial mindset has led to destructive behaviors, such as the burning of public and private properties by those who feel marginalized.
“The polarization has become so intense that many people no longer trust anyone with a different perspective,” he warned. “This is a fateful danger to democracy.”
He pointed to the escalating societal tensions, which have morphed into perilous tribalism, posing a significant threat to the country’s democratic framework. Fatoma underscored the urgent need to address and bridge these divisions to foster collaboration, sustain democracy, and effectively tackle critical policy issues.
“Without addressing and bridging these divisions, it will be exceedingly challenging to foster collaboration, sustain a functioning democracy, and effectively address the country’s critical policy issues,” Fatoma concluded.
His statement serves as a call to action for all Sierra Leoneans to work towards unity and mutual understanding to preserve and strengthen the nation’s democratic values.
