ONS Warns Sierra Leoneans to Stay Away From Violence

The Coordinator of the Office of National Security (ONS), Abdulai Caulker on Monday 6 March 2023 warned Sierra Leoneans to denounce violence and avoid all activities that will derail the peace of the Country.

The Office of National Security (ONS) Coordinator’s warning came as the result of the recent political clashes at Calaba town in the East End of Freetown, involving the supporters of the ruling Sierra People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC). The clashes occurred after the APC successfully concluded their National Delegates Conference (NDC) in Makeni which led to the announcement of Dr Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara as the APC party Flagbearer for the June 24, 2023, multitier elections.

Caulker urged all Sierra Leoneans and foreigners to remain calm and peaceful and go about their normal activities, adding everything concerning the security of the state, and the protection of lives and property is under the control of the ONS.

He advised all political leaders to begin preaching peace, unity and cohesion and not engage in using inflammatory and derogatory statements that may further ignite violence and threaten the peace of the country.

He also cautioned political leaders to set the pace for their supporters to emulate, adding that politics is not a “do or die” affair because, Sierra Leone belongs to all of us and if we kill ourselves in the name of politics, who would be left to inherit the land.

In another development, he said news going around about an alleged kidnapping of young people for political rituals, is baseless and untrue adding that people should not believe in those allegations.

He asserted that as an institution that is responsible for coordinating the security of Sierra Leone, the ONS would not allow such callous acts to happen under its watch.

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Mr Caulker also warned the general public to be security conscious about their safety. He said, since he assumed office, the office has been receiving accolades from the international community that holds the office in high esteem because of its proactiveness and steadfast management.