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News / Press Statement - “SLPP plans to disrupt council polls exposed”

“SLPP PLANS TO DISRUPT COUNCIL POLLS EXPOSED”
PRESS SECRETARIAT REPORTS, STATE HOUSE, FREETOWN
www.statehouse.gov.sl

1. Introduction

The SLPP views with dismay and disbelief the posting “SLPP plans to disrupt council polls exposed” at the State House Website, www.statehouse.gov.sl

One of the core values of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is peace and unity. In 2002, the SLPP ended the 11-year conflict and started the long journey of peace building. Even in opposition, the Party will oppose any effort that would undermine the peace and stability of the country. The Party would therefore like to dissociate itself from this nefarious posting.

The Party would further like to inform the public that the posting is basically a calumny campaign against the Party and some of its renowned members (Dr Francis Kaikai, Dr John Karimu and Mr John Benjamin). It is particularly viewed as an attempt to dent the image of Dr. Francis Kaikai, former Executive Secretary, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR)  whose contributions to peace building has been exemplary.

2. APC LIES

The posting is just one of the many APC lies to the nation. Dr Francis Kaikai was in to Kono, Mr John Benjamin was in Segbwema and Dr John Karimu traveled to Abuja on short-term international assignment with the Africa Union. With the exception of John Benjamin, who traveled to Liberia for personal reasons, none of these people has been to Liberia since September 17, 2007.

Perhaps what is more embarrassing and worrisome to the nation is the fact that such information relating to state security is posted to the official State House website. The posting presents a security risk picture to the public and would be investors and donors. This single action will undermine investment, frustrate efforts at creating jobs and thus perpetuate unemployment and poverty in the country. This questions the APC government’s genuine commitment to address the fundamental problem of the country, youth unemployment. It further manifests the weak oversight of public officials that are supposed to be manning government business.

3. The  Civil Defence Force

With the successful implementation of the DDR Programme, the SLPP Government declared an end to the war in 2002. Since then, the Civil Defence Force including the Kamajors have been residing in their homes as peaceful citizens. They, like all other citizens benefit from community reintegration assistance supported by government and partners and play vital roles in community affairs. The SLPP remains grateful to them for their contributions towards sustainable peace to our beloved nation.

The SLPP is amazed that the APC through the actions of President Ernest Koroma has initiated the re-mobilisation of former fighters in the name of reconciliation. During his recent visit to Bo, President Koroma gave a group of Kamajors purporting to represent the Civil Defence Force (CDF) in the South, the sum of Le10,000,000. As a follow-up, the Resident Minister, South, Musa Tarawali is making frantic efforts including dishing out cash to re-mobilize the Kamajors in the South.  He is holding meetings with Kamajors in the southern townships. The Party is aware of his recent meetings in Mattru, Pujehun and other places. The Party is not bothered about the political gains they intend to make. We are sure it will be efforts in futility. Rather, we are worried about the security implications of re-mobilising ex-fighters. This is indeed an irresponsible act by the APC government. It is surely an attempt to reverse gains made by the SLPP administration in bringing peace to Sierra Leone in the name of politics. We urge the APC administration to desist from this.

4. Conclusion

The SLPP therefore urges the donor/international community, especially UNIOSIL to closely follow up this issue of re-mobilisation of ex-combatants in the name of reconciliation. We continue to be firmly committed to deepening the peace process in Sierra Leone and to peaceful and democratic elections.

Signed by:

Jacob Jusu Saffa
National Secretary-General

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