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Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, President Julius Maada Bio has has called on Sierra Leoneans not to use elections to disturb the social cohesion that binds them together for the sake of politicians.
The presidnt made this statement at the 58th Jalsa Salana 2023 annual conference organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Bo city, on Friday, 10th February, 2023.
President Bio urge sierra Leoneans to stay away from violence during the June 24 2023 multitier elections and also said that there was no need to assault others because of their political beliefs for elections that will only last for few hours.
“It is only politicians who do not have a message that will beat up people to vote for them. All of us want progress and we should vote for politicians that will lead us to progress,” he told his audience who were mainly members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at.
The president furthered that differences do exist but people should not use them to disturb the peace of others, adding that development will not take place in a country that is chaotic.
“I am impressed with the discipline shown here today by the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. I have never seen a crowd that is so organized and disciplined than this crowd today,” he expressed his admiration for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at.
He noted that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, which has already taken over 100 years in Sierra Leone, has constructed and owned 202 primary schools, 54 Junior Secondary Schools, 32 Senior Secondary Schools, and provide health care services.
“To be educated is one but to have respect for other people’s values is another. So, we need education that is fit-for-purpose and Ahmadiyya has been supporting that,” he noted, adding that Ahmadiyya’s motto of love for all, hatred for none resonates with the Sierra Leone People’s Party’s (SLPP) one country one people.
Also present at the confrence was Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, popularly called KKY who also thanked the Ahmadiyya Mission for maintaining moral values in Sierra Leone, saying that society needs spiritual cleansing and Ahmadiyya can be integral in that regard.
“Morality is on the verge of collapsing as evident in the pelting of motherly invectives, examination malpractices, and anti-social behaviors, etc.,” he stated.
Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Sierra Leone, Lawyer Musa Mewa, said the conference was the 58th for the Ahmadis in the country, adding that over the years, the mission has contributed to education, health, employment, among other things.
Secretary General, Inter-Religious Council, Rev. Jesse Fornah, said Ahmadiyya has played great role to strengthen Islam in Sierra Leone.
“Both Christians and Muslims were recently together to pray for cohesion, peace and unity in Sierra Leone. That’s shows our religious tolerance. We believe that divisions on regional, political, ethnic and religious lines will destroy our country. So, we should not preach them to our members,” he warned.
