The United Kingdom, United States, Ireland, Germany, France, and the EU delegation have issued a joint statement expressing their concerns regarding election-related violence and aggression in Sierra Leone leading up to the upcoming elections.
Paragraph 2: In their statement, they call upon all individuals to refrain from engaging in violence, show respect for the political choices of others, and reject divisive and hateful rhetoric. The international community highlights the peace pledge signed in May, which committed President Bio, Samura Kamara, and all other political parties to conduct peaceful campaigns, ensure fair election proceedings on June 24th, and address grievances through legal means.
Paragraph 4: Emphasizing the significance of this pledge, they urge all supporters to adopt its principles and promote a peaceful atmosphere in the days ahead. The joint statement further mentions that national and international observers are currently being deployed to monitor the electoral process. The international community expects a transparent, inclusive, credible, and peaceful election that genuinely reflects the will of the Sierra Leonean people.
The recent surge in election-related violence, hate speech, and incitement within the country has raised concerns about the determination and rationality of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
