Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone Urges Peace And Unity in Post-Election Period

In a recent statement, the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has called upon Sierra Leoneans and foreign partners to prioritize peace and unity in the country’s post-election period.

The Council, dedicated to fostering peace, unity, and prosperity, expressed gratitude for the nation’s blessings and protection, attributing them to divine providence.

The statement, signed by the IRCSL President, Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, provided a brief historical background on the organization’s formation during the height of the civil war in 1997. It underscored the Council’s mission to seek lasting solutions for the nation’s challenges.

As Sierra Leone faces new hurdles in consolidating peace and strengthening national unity, the IRCSL reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its mission.

Of notable importance is the active involvement of the IRCSL with Election Management Bodies, national stakeholders, and international partners before, during, and after the June 24 General Elections. Their engagement aimed to safeguard national peace and unity, reflecting their ongoing efforts.

According to the Council, despite a few incidents of politically-related violence and hate speech, the elections were relatively peaceful, free, and fair.

However, the IRCSL acknowledged the grievances and complaints raised during the election process, concerning issues such as transparency, accountability, political victimization, and loss of lives and property. These concerns are currently under discussion as the Council seeks amicable solutions.

In line with these efforts, the IRCSL has initiated dialogues with key stakeholders to address the outstanding issues and appealed to the public to maintain peace, compassion, and adherence to the law.

The statement emphasized that the nation’s commitment to peace, unity, and social cohesion is once again being tested. Therefore, the IRCSL called upon citizens to uphold their spiritual beliefs and traditional values, serving as guiding principles during this critical period.

In conclusion, the IRCSL expressed gratitude for the public’s attention and offered a prayer for national blessings, signifying their dedication to fostering peace, unity, and prosperity for Sierra Leone.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

Saio marrah | 2023-07-19 16:56:51

The inter_Religious council in Sierra Leone are not God fairing people because they are not saying the truth.
Naffan kamara | 2023-07-19 16:46:27

It's sad to see the people of the holy books do not know the foundation of peace. Well to enlightening us, peace is built upon the solid foundation of justice ⚖️, where the scale is accurately unbalanced. How can you preach peace, when you undermine the institutions that foster the peace. All institutions that guarantee individuals with confidence of the state are weakened. It's right for spiritual heads to create a foreseeable chamber, as to prevent conflicts, but they see, know, and turn a blind eye for their selfish gains. But remember, you will be asked in the day of Truth to account for your spiritual management on earth. Let's us service people with the fearness of God, so that God's favor will be on us. May God guide our spiritual leadership in truth. God blessings with us, and long live sierra Leone.
Jalloh Mohamed Alie | 2023-07-19 16:04:43

You are day dreamer why are you calling for peace if the election is free. Fair and credible don't you have the fairness of Allah as religious people where are you with your peace when this government busy killing people every where without calling for peace where are you when this government sent unknown officers to shoot the National building of the All Peoples Congress (A. P C)you don't call for peace but why are you crying for peace now beware of the day of judgment Allah is one be truthful
| 2023-07-19 15:50:53

A bunch of hypocrisy in these so-called inter religious leaders.Why can't you tell Maada and Konneh to do the right thing for the sake of the nation,and ask Konneh to release the disaggregated votes by pooling station in the country so that the opposition and international officials can verify the authenticity of the results he read and declare Maada as a winner.I believe that should be the first step as custodian of peace in the nation(Inter religious leaders),before talking about peace
Dr Chris Tucker | 2023-07-19 15:19:06

The question that lingers in my mind is whether Sierra Leone is in dire need of a figure akin to Desmond Tutu. The religious council, which is meant to serve as a moral compass, appears to be entangled in a web of political affiliations, devoid of the neutrality they should embody. Rather than acting as an independent voice, they seem to function as an extension of the government, raising doubts about their right to speak on matters of peace and justice. The crux of the issue lies in the absence of robust state institutions that can function independently from government interference. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as "state capture," places significant power in the hands of the ruling authorities, leaving little room for impartiality or the checks and balances necessary for a healthy democracy. Without the presence of functioning state institutions that operate with transparency and integrity, the religious council's ability to champion peace and social justice is significantly compromised. They find themselves trapped within a system that inherently undermines their capacity to fulfill their moral duty to the nation. Sierra Leone stands at a critical crossroads, where the need for strong, independent institutions is more pressing than ever. It is through these institutions that the voices of the people can be heard, and their aspirations for a just and peaceful society can be translated into tangible action. Until such time, the quest for a Sierra Leonean Desmond Tutu, a unifying figure who transcends political affiliations and advocates for the collective well-being of the nation, remains an elusive yet vital pursuit.
Joseph Bio | 2023-07-19 15:12:15

In the day of Resurrection you guys call inter religious cauncil will testify this before Allah since you guys have said the election is free and fair without knowing the details of it
| 2023-07-19 15:08:06

May God forgive Sierra Leone