By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), on Wednesday 5 March 2025 at the Country Lodge in Freetown intensified efforts to promote peace and prevent conflicts across Sierra Leone. This initiative comes in response to escalating tensions during intra-political party lower-level elections, which have, at times, led to violence, posing serious threats to national security and stability.

The engagement brought together Paramount Chiefs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), political party members and key Governmental stakeholders to identify threats and risks that could undermine peace and security. Discussions also explored effective strategies to mitigate those challenges as the electoral process unfolds at the grassroots level.

The Executive Director of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Madam Hawa Samai, highlighted the Commission’s ongoing engagements with diverse stakeholders, including traditional leaders, political parties, youth, women leaders and the security sector. She emphasized that the goal is to ensure peaceful and fair elections while managing political tensions.

“In our engagements across different regions, we discovered that some local leaders, including Paramount Chiefs, were not adequately informed about election logistics. This gap hindered their ability to prevent conflicts in their respective areas,” she stated.

Madam Hawa Samai noted that the Peace Commission is working closely with the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and other relevant authorities to ensure better coordination, effective monitoring and management of elections. She stressed the importance of involving all levels of society, particularly traditional leaders, who have played a crucial role in past crises.

“We are committed to preventing any further decline in Sierra Leone’s position on the Global Peace Index. The lower-level elections must not disrupt our national peace and social harmony,” she added.

Francis Langumba Keili, Chief of Staff at the Office of National Security (ONS), expressed appreciation for the Peace Commission’s efforts and reaffirmed the security sector’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability during the electoral process.

“Without security, there can be no stability, development or governance,” he stated. He noted that elections should not be a source of security concerns, but political intolerance, both within and between parties, has led to aggressive contestation, necessitating heightened security measures.

He warned that such tensions have led to significant security deployments, diverting funds from essential development projects. “The increasing militarization of elections is harmful to our democracy,” he cautioned.

Francis Langumba Keili also emphasized that Sierra Leone’s security sector remains professional and non-political, serving any democratically elected Government. However, he urged security personnel and traditional leaders to avoid partisanship, as it breeds suspicion and undermines their roles.

“In the coming elections and beyond, integrated election security will be a permanent feature. We have zero tolerance for indiscipline and remain committed to maintaining peace and stability,” he concluded.

Chief Mathew Jibao Young, representing the Council of Tribal Heads, expressed gratitude for the engagement and reiterated the importance of peace and unity within communities.

“No development can take place without peace. It is essential that we work together as brothers and sisters to maintain stability in the country,” Chief Mathew Jibao Young emphasized.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by political conflicts and pledged to engage communities through media platforms such as SLBC to discourage participation in electoral violence.

“We must take proactive measures to prevent conflicts before they escalate. Consistent communication is key and I commend the Peace Commission for its efforts in fostering national cohesion,” he added.

Other key institutions and organizations also contributed to the discussions, reinforcing the collective effort to ensure peaceful elections:

Political Parties Registration Commission representative reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring political party activities and ensuring compliance with democratic principles. “We will continue to work closely with political parties to foster internal democracy and minimize disputes during intra-party elections,” the PPRC representative stated.

National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCCED) representative emphasized the need for civic education to promote political tolerance. “Educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities is crucial in preventing violence. We encourage all political parties to engage in issue-based politics rather than confrontation,” it was stated.

The concerted efforts of the Peace Commission, security sector, traditional leaders and civil society groups underscore a collective determination to safeguard national peace and stability. The call for inclusivity, tolerance and responsible political conduct remains central to ensuring a peaceful electoral process and a more cohesive Sierra Leone.