The Network of Peace and Security Women in ECOWAS Countries (NOPSWECO)-Liberia and Sierra Leone Chapters have alarmed over the growing insecurity and threat to peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The groups recounted the unfortunate situation unfolding in Sierra Leone since August 8, 2022 that climaxed with a protest on August 10, resulting into deaths and the destruction of private and public properties in areas that were affected.
NOPSWECO extended deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the civilians and security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries in Sierra Leone.
“We are completely shocked and saddened by the August 10 protest, which swept parts of the capital, Freetown, and subsequently in Makeni, Lungi and Kamakwe, and condemn in the strongest terms the use of force that resulted in the death of some citizens,” they added.
They noted that, in Liberia, the rise of various militant groups and lack of response to curtail this problem is certainly alarming, naming the CDC’s Blue Army, Yekeh Kolubah’s Opposition Defense Force and the CDC-COP. On July 26, 2022, student Walter Sisulu and others were brutalized on live camera while protesting, and even though the incident was being broadcasted in real time the police stated that no one had filed any complaint and then requested the public to provide information, even though the identities of those who committed the act were not concealed.
They maintained that, up to date, the Ministry of Justice has provided no update on the status of the case. On August 5, 2022, a member of a women’s organization was reportedly assaulted by Yekeh Kolubah’s Opposition Defense Force.
“On August 11, 2022, the Liberia National Bar Association reported that unknown persons acting under the authority of the ‘country devil’ forcibly seized Magistrate Capehart, assigned at the Magisterial Court in Salala,” they stated.
They indicated that, to further compound the situation, another person claiming to be a zoe also had locked up the City Solicitor and threatened to harm other judicial staff.
“We take note of the heightened economic crisis and the number of unemployed and at-risk youth in both countries, which are red-flags and an early warning sign,” they underscored. They noted that both Sierra Leone and Liberia are post-conflict countries that will conduct elections next year.
They pointed out that in Liberia there is general distrust of the police since in most cases the police are nearby when these incidents take place.
“It is a known fact that women and children are the most vulnerable during crisis; therefore, the protection and safety of women and children under any given circumstances must be guaranteed by all parties involved in the violence,” they cited.
“We call on all stakeholders to remain calm in light of the looming presidential elections next year. Hence, we recommend the following for Sierra Leone: that all parties return to status quo ante in light of the prevailing situation and take advantage of the law in resolving issues of national concern,” they noted.
They asked for monitoring of all violence against citizens, especially VAWG taking place within the context of the temporary unrest.
They urged that the media and the general public remain peaceful and send out messages of peace and refrain from posting inciting comments on social media that could inflame the current tense situation.
They want the government of Sierra Leone to set up an independent body involving women and members of the civil society to speedily investigate the factors that triggered the violence.
They emphasized that the government should engage unemployed youth innovatively and set up programs to keep them busy or invest in rehabilitation programs.
“For Liberia, the government should ensure that all factions/militant groups are neutralized and action is taken against independent police members who are present but take no action when violence occurs,” they added.
They asserted that government should work with the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to become a force for good, update the public on cases of interest and ensure that members of the traditional society who violate rules of the Republic are held accountable for their actions. They added that the government should find innovative ways to engage young persons and all must be involved in teaching them nonviolent ways of expressing themselves.
“We remain ready to participate and aid in the facilitation of any negotiation for peace in order to return Sierra Leone to calm.
These are organizations that are part of the Chapter Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH), Paramount Young Women Initiative, Community Healthcare Initiative, Kids Educational Engagement Project(KEEP), Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia and Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL).
