By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – As the country’s multitier election draws near, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, has emphasized the role which young people play in the future of the country’s democracy.
“Indeed, young people have a key role to play in the present and future of the democracy in Sierra Leone. Engaging young people in democratic processes and allowing them to participate, safely and constructively, in politics are core aspects of any effort to sustain democracy,” he remarked.
The Resident Coordinator further remarked that “investing in the capacity, agency and leadership of young political leaders will strengthen their ability to collaboratively lead peace efforts and use their skills to tackle other concerns that affect their lives, particularly in these challenging national and international times.”
Dr Ahonsi disclosed that on the 9th of December 2015, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2250 on youth, peace and security, which he said acknowledged the positive role young women and men play in society as well as in sustaining peace and security.
Accordingly, he said the Resolution recognized young people as a positive force in preventing and resolving conflict and building sustainable peace.
Making a case for the women, Dr. Ahonsi cited the Global Gender Gap Report which reveals that the most persistent gaps exist in political participation, noting that women are significantly under-represented, as voters, candidates and electoral representatives around the world as well as in countries in West and Central Africa.
Dr. Ahonsi revealed that advancing equality and the human rights of women and girls is at the heart of the United Nation’s support for national development efforts. Ahonsi noted that successive governments have prioritized investment in youth and women, recounting that Late President Ahmed Tejan Kabba established the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Notwithstanding the above-mentioned efforts, Dr. Ahonsi noted that there are yet challenges. He mentioned that 75% of the country’s population is below the age of 35, adding that young people represent about 63% of the economically active population, with, 67% of them unemployed.
He added that drug abuse is on the increase and is particularly affecting young women and men. “These challenges are becoming of increased concern as the country moves towards the June 24th elections amidst high political tension and toxic and divisive political discourse. “Toxic ethno-regional, political, and religious divisions should not have space in Sierra Leone, which is still considered one of the most peaceful countries in Africa and the world,” he noted.
In all of these, Dr. Ahonsi assured that the UN Family will continue to count on all Sierra Leoneans to work together in this crucial period for the country’s democracy to prevent the recurrence of the unprecedented level of violence experienced on 10th of August last year. SKS/6/6/2023