KAILAHUN TOWN STAKEHOLDERS MEETING

November 4, 2012

Michaela has worked wonders and all the main stakeholders will be at the meeting this afternoon.  The most important aspect of this meeting is the recording of the statements made which will then be broadcast over the radio nationally.

The time arrives for the meeting being held in the Youth Center.  The stakeholders begin arriving.  The town Chief and Sata, the women’s advocate, are among the first to arrive.  Some of the town’s people are also in attendance.  Among them are a representation of the town’s Peace Mothers.

Stakeholders Town Chief Speaking

Sata opens the meeting with both Muslim and Christian prayers. She then introduces Sheku from Fambul Tok who speaks about Fambul Tok and the background behind the formation of the organization.  He explains the purpose of Fambul Tok and how the process works.  This is done for the radio broadcast of the meeting and to inform anyone in the audience not familiar with Fambul Tok.

Sata expands on Sheku’s presentation by speaking about the Peace Mothers and their role in encouraging a peaceful election.  She continues by stating the purpose of the meeting is to bring the stakeholders together for statements and support of a peaceful election.

The first to speak is the town Chief of Kailahun.  Peace in all aspects is very important and especially during election time.  He is very supportive of Fambul Tok and their process.  Using the radio to broadcast and spread the peace messages is a very important tool.  He plans to bring all the chiefs in the area together to speak about this subject for now and after the elections.

Next is one of the Section Chiefs who further supports the messages given by Fambul Tok.  He emphasizes that voting quietly and then going home to wait for the results is the way to behave.  Supporting whoever wins with joy is the next step because everyone is a citizen of Salone.  No one wants war ever again.  It is especially important for the youth to support peace and be law abiding.

The young man from the PPRC, also representing the DCMC, states that his organization will be in charge of peaceful elections along with the police.  Women need to be equal in elections and in all aspects of life in Salone.  It is a principal of democracy and is a rule of law that everyone is equal.  Without women’s participation in that principle of law Salone cannot be a democracy.  This extends to anyone who is now marginalized including the handicapped.  Safety and security measures are paramount to ensuring peaceful conduct.  He sites an example of the PPRC and the police acting together just yesterday.  There was a very volatile situation between the APC and SLPP in one of the villages.  The potential for deadly violence was strong. Together the head of the Salone Police and himself were able to diffuse the situation and avoid violence.  This cooperation must continue.  All 10 political parties will be monitored to make sure they adhere to the law and any potential conflict will be put down.

The pastor of the Pentecostal Church calls for all to live in peace according to the principles of the Bible.  For the past two months he has been stressing the need for peace during the elections and beyond.  He is planning a three day fast and prayer session for those who wish to join him.

A teen age girl gives a heart felt statement about how she is supporting peace and encouraging all young people to join her.

The Muslim Imam used Friday’s service to spend two hours speaking about the need for peace.  He and his people are praying to Allah for peace.  It is important to honor all brothers and sisters of all faiths no matter what.  He prays that Allah will answer the prayers with a peaceful outcome.

A young man representing the youths (in Salone a youth can be an unmarried male up to age 35) of the area stressed the need to disseminate the peace message everywhere by all means possible now and after the election.  Salone cannot have another war.

Next the head of the police for all of Sierra Leone states that the people here think the police are biased but it is really a case of lies.  The importance of peace goes beyond internal Sierra Leone.  The need to prove Sierra Leone to be a peaceful country extends internationally.  Future investors and businesses are watching the elections to see if they will want to come to Salone and do business.  The police are dedicated to the success of this election and will work with all entities to make sure peace is kept.

After everyone has spoken (I was unable to understand a couple of the presenters at all) Michaela thanks everyone for attending on such short notice.  She also thanks the radio representative for being here to be a part of this important day.  She hands out posters to all the stakeholders.

Speaking of the radio, I forgot to mention that I was interviewed by a reporter after the Ambassador Peace Mother meeting.  He also interviewed Lillian and one of the Peace Mothers.  Lillian and Zinab called me (I now have a Sierra Leone mobile phone) on Friday morning all excited.  They are listening to my interview!  How fun!

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma/Sara