POLITICS Stability Of Sierra Leone Depends On The Respect For Human Rights Posted by Alpha Sheriff (Kamabai) on Mar 25, 2009, 10:19

So it has come to this; the level of political violence in this our beloved Sierra Leone has degenerated to vandalism and attempted murder, rape and anti social behaviour directed at Sierra Leone people. To be fair, am blaming both APC and SLPP, the gangsters, thugs or individuals who committed these acts are seriously deranged, but there must have been something to trigger their directed anger.

The hate speeches from our political leaders disseminated by The Man Without a Platform daily blast us with the message that if we vote for this other guy, life as we know it will become better, followed by distortions and outright lies about the other guy's intentions and policies. This kind of vitriol makes it almost impossible to have civilized discussions amongst Sierra Leoneans about the issues that divide us. The Cons have imported the venomous party tactics common in other part of the world politics

Some of our politicians are not making clear commitment to promote and respect human rights before, during and after the elections. Our politicians are forgetting that respect for human rights during and after electoral process is essential, and the stability of Sierra Leone depends on it. Human rights are central to Sierra Leoneans future in social, economic, religious and political development

All the so called political gangsters and thugs should be investigated independently on all allegations of human rights violation and abuses, and that those responsible are promptly brought to justice in accordance with human rights standards.

Before any democratic institutions can work in effectively in Sierra Leone , at the very least our leadership from all institution and our political leaders must agree and accept the fundamental values of democracy and must seek to maximize cooperation with other political parties and the these leaders should represent our country principal ethnic and religious groups, socioeconomic and classes and other political associates.

 Our leaders should be willing to share power fairly and deal with all conflicts peacefully on the basis of agreed upon decision making procedures, enforce the rule of law mutual respect and compromise. Our present government should govern by agreement and be oppose to intimidation, and violence. Lets give peace a chance and close our doors to these political thugs or gangster. Millions of our country men and women are practicing democracy. Let us stand against the few who want to disturb the peace.