Hundreds of women in Kenema city and their Liberian counterparts, known as Women Peace and Security Network Africa (WIPSEN-A), have visited political parties’ offices in Kenema to present copies of their statement on the August 11 polls.
The statement reads: “We are here as guests of and in solidarity with the Salone Women Peacekeepers Elections 2007 Campaign, a campaign that is advocating for violence free elections throughout Sierra Leone. As part of this solidarity visit, we have come to join our voices with those of our sisters to say No to Violence in Sierra Leone during this elections period.
“The recent past of both Liberia and Sierra Leone (14 years and 11 years civil wars respectively) have necessitated this move. During the wars in both countries, our children and we the women were the primary victims of abuse and atrocities.
“As part of our learning experience from the pains of the past we have vowed never to sit and watch our communities degenerate into chaos and anarchy. It is in this light that we are calling upon your heads of political parties to commit yourselves and encourage your supporters through exemplary leadership to conduct themselves non-violently during this political season.
“It is by your example of peace and non-violence that you will show to Sierra Leoneans and the world that you are the true leaders worthy of the votes of the people, specifically the women of Sierra Leone.
“In conclusion, we urge you to PUT SIERRA LEONE BEYOND PERSONAL INTERESTS AND AMBITIONS and remember that regardless of the elections outcome. You are all winners as Sierra Leoneans’’.