The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All-Peoples Congress (APC) have jointly expressed profound concerns regarding the escalating tensions in political discussions both domestically and within diaspora communities. In response, the two prominent parties have come together to endorse the Agreement for National Unity, a pivotal pact designed to tackle these mounting challenges head-on.
The Agreement for National Unity is aimed at:
- Resolving political differences through peaceful and respectful means.
- Strengthening democratic institutions.
- Facilitating regular cross-party dialogues.
- Fostering unity among Sierra Leoneans across all societal divisions.
This commitment underscores the shared determination of the SLPP and APC to advance Sierra Leone’s overarching national interests.
While staunchly advocating for free speech and press freedom as fundamental pillars of democracy, both parties stress the importance of exercising these rights responsibly. They assert that:
- Free speech should never be wielded as a tool to incite violence.
- Individuals must not be targeted based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, or political allegiance.
- Propagation of hatred against any ethnic or religious group is intolerable.
The SLPP and APC express deep apprehension over recent instances of hate speech by certain political commentators, both within Sierra Leone and abroad. Such conduct is deemed unacceptable and diametrically opposed to the core values upheld by both parties. They urge all Sierra Leoneans to reject hate speech unequivocally, as it has no place in political discourse.
The parties advocate for the investigation and prosecution of individuals inciting violence, emphasizing that such actions are criminal under Sierra Leonean law and must be conducted in strict accordance with legal and human rights standards. Ensuring the protection of the rights of all SLPP and APC members and supporters is deemed paramount in the prevailing political climate. Consequently, they call upon international partners to lend their support to these endeavors, stressing the importance of fair and thorough justice administration.
With the impending deadline for the Electoral Review Committee’s final report drawing near, the SLPP and APC anticipate heightened political discourse. They implore all Sierra Leoneans to engage in discussions characterized by mutual respect and dignity, eschewing personal attacks and threats of violence. Hate speech is unequivocally denounced, with those propagating it deemed unfit for participation within the political sphere.
Both parties remain steadfast in their commitment to combating hate speech and violence, pledging to collaborate with civil society organizations and international stakeholders to ensure a safe and respectful political environment.
In unison, the SLPP and APC reaffirm their dedication to fostering a peaceful and harmonious Sierra Leone for all its citizens. They call upon the nation to unite in creating a future where political dialogue is conducted with respect, and democratic principles are upheld.
