Chairman of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Rev. Shodankeh Johnson has called on Sierra Leoneans to embrace peace and cohesiveness.

Rev. Johnson made this statement while delivering the keynote address during the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Annual General Meeting with the theme, “the role of journalist in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and national cohesion in Post-election Sierra Leone”.

In his speech, the ICPNC chairman expressed appreciation to SLAJ for honoring him and his institution for delivering the keynote address on such an important topic and giving a brief explanation of the cause of the 11 years of civil war Sierra Leone encountered which brought the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to profound findings about the cause of the war and gives solution to prevent further conflict in the future, which through an act of Parliament created the ICPNC.

He further spoke about the June 2023 General Elections thanking SLAJ for its tireless efforts in providing the necessary information throughout the process till date which positively impacted their work as a peace commission.

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Rev. Johnson mentioned that elections are over, and the country needs to come together cohesively to build the country as Sierra Leone’s stability is largely measured by how peaceful the people are living.

He emphasizes the theme of the event which is not only timely but very relevant as the aftermath of the election left the country polarized and conflict-riding, adding that he will focus his speech on the role of print, electronic, social media, and journalists in promoting peace and national cohesion in post-election Sierra Leone.

He continued by speaking on the role of media in promoting peace stating that the insufficient lack of information and misrepresentation of information are major reasons for conflict as it makes people sometimes distress, restless, and suspicious over nothing.

He said proactive disclosure of information that is of public interest is key in promoting sustainable peace and national cohesion, adding that free information to journalists as they have to balance their coverage before publication as hate and violent speeches should be avoided by journalists.

He added that both print and traditional media play a role in making or breaking a nation, as effective peace message can mitigate ethics and political tensions in post-election period.

He continued that broadcast media which include radio and television can easily reach people through community radios with different languages that are easily understood as these are the most trusted media outlets.

He said social media should not be taken lightly as majority of the population gets their information through social media as it’s one of the major platforms used to spread political violence and conflict which is a call for concern as they recently engaged social media influencers including bloggers, tiktokers, comedians, to disseminate information that promotes peace, adding that such efforts should be adopted by journalists.