In a press release issued on Saturday 17th June 2023, by the Office of Ernest Bai Koroma, the former President of Sierra Leone has called for peace, stability, and unity in the country.

Five years after peacefully handing over power to the current President, Julius Maada Bio, Koroma emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and working together to create a better future for Sierra Leone.

Koroma, a staunch believer in democracy, highlighted the successful conduct of peaceful, free, fair, inclusive, and transparent elections that facilitated his transition from power. Despite objections to the election results, he prioritized the preservation of peace and enabled a smooth transfer of authority to the opposition party. (dramarnathansdentalcare.com)

Following his retirement to his hometown of Makeni, Koroma dedicated himself to supporting peace and democratic transitions across Africa through various institutions.

Expressing concern about the current state of affairs in Sierra Leone, Koroma acknowledged the challenging process of peacebuilding and reconstruction the country has faced since the end of the civil war in 2002.

He emphasized the need to prevent a relapse into violence and instability and urged all Sierra Leoneans to focus on creating an enabling environment for peaceful political participation.

In his statement, Koroma called on political leaders and their supporters to refrain from making inflammatory and divisive statements. Instead, he encouraged them to demonstrate leadership and work towards defusing tensions in the country.

He also appealed to international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, ECOWAS, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, as well as governments such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Nigeria, Guinea, and Ghana, to pay close attention to Sierra Leone and support efforts to maintain peace, democracy, and the rule of law.

Koroma’s message extended to civil society, faith-based organizations, and the media, urging them to maintain a non-partisan stance, be vigilant, and proactively contribute to de-escalating political tension. He emphasized the importance of social cohesion and encouraged these actors to promote a peaceful outcome for the upcoming elections.

Addressing the key institutions responsible for the management of elections, security forces, and the judiciary, Koroma urged them to prioritize the interests of the nation and carry out their duties with integrity.

He stressed the need for their work to inspire confidence and trust among the people of Sierra Leone, as their actions would play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and secure environment during this critical period.

As Sierra Leone approaches the upcoming elections, Ernest Bai Koroma’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values, fostering unity, and preserving peace.

The former president’s plea for a peaceful, stable, and forward-looking Sierra Leone resonates with citizens and international stakeholders alike, urging them to work collectively towards a brighter future for the country.