1 Comment 
Human rights defender and spokesperson for families of the November 26 victims, Viktor Tutu Rogers, has called on the Government of Sierra Leone and ECOWAS to include victims of the August 10, 2022 unrest and November 26, 2023 security incident in ongoing peace and cohesion efforts.
In an open letter addressed to State House and ECOWAS leaders attending the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Rogers said recent calls for peace and unity following the discontinuation of charges against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma must extend beyond political actors to include affected families.
Rogers, who identified himself as the brother of Staff Sgt. Rogers Thomas of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), one of the soldiers killed during the November 26, 2023 incident, said families of victims from both events continue to face emotional and economic hardships.
He expressed concern that despite initial support provided to some families after the incidents, there has been limited follow-up assistance, including access to education, housing support, livelihood opportunities, and psychosocial counselling.
The human rights advocate urged the government to take steps toward what he described as a more inclusive peace process by engaging affected families, establishing a victims’ support fund, providing assistance to widows and dependants, and creating a national memorial to honour victims of political violence.
He argued that sustainable peace and national cohesion cannot be achieved without addressing the concerns of those directly affected by past conflicts and violent incidents.
The call comes as Sierra Leone hosts regional leaders and delegates for the ECOWAS summit in Lungi, where discussions are expected to focus on regional integration, peace, security, and democratic governance.
100% support should be given to all victims and also appealing to government to dropped all charges on those that are in prison. Let bye gone be bygone