The Ministry of Internal Affairs has commenced nationwide campaign on discipline and non-violence. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Alhassan, Karahmoh Kondeh, said the essence of the non-violence tour is to engage people, especially young people, on the benefits of peace and stability in the nation.
He said that the Ministry under the “Conflict Prevention and Mitigation during the Electoral Cycle Project” dispatched a team of state and non-state actors, including the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Office of National Security (ONS), and Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and civil society to conduct a study on peaceful, transparent and successful elections that is free and fair, amidst the high rate of unemployed youths in Ghana.
Kondeh expressed disappointment on the emergence of cliques and gangs that are a negative consequences of unemployment, poverty and under-education. He called on the public to refrained from violence and instead transform themselves in a more productive manner, worthy of emulation.
The Ministry noted the tense atmosphere, rising political intolerance, violence amongst political party supporters, who predominantly are young people. “This has raised serious concerns amongst the general public and members of the international community and is an issue which needs to be addressed urgently”.
Kondeh encouraged the police in the various communities to execute their duties impartially at all times, noting that it will further guarantee a sustainable peace.
Chief Superintendent of Police, David Sahid Koroma, Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Tankoro Police Division in Kono, said, “Violence is a product of the rebel war in Sierra Leone and the intake of drugs. The SLP worked side-by-side with civilians as partners in development and crime management, stressing the need for the creation of the Local Police Partnership Board (LPPB). He explained that his division and others in the district have been able to maintain peace through the commitment of DISEC (District Security Committee).” DISEC comprised of all government representatives in the district including Paramount Chiefs”.
Mohamed Koroma, Kono District Bike Riders Union chair, appealed to politicians not to use youths for violence in the coming elections but encouraged them to preach development to keep the peace.
AC/21/11/17
By Ade Campbell
Wednesday November 22, 2017.
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