The former President of Sierra Leone, HE Ernest Bai Koroma, has on Sunday October 5 received in audience at his Makeni residence, a delegation of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) facilitators. They informed him of their engagements so far and how they were looking forward to an amicable resolution of the post-June 24 electoral political impasse.
In light of the challenges facing the West African region, President Koroma urged the facilitators to be patient, frank, forthright, and to do their best for the peace and stability of Sierra Leone. He expressed firm belief that every political dispute can be resolved if those involved chose to prioritize the interests of the people they represent and genuinely seek such an outcome.
The statesman noted that a lot of things have happened in Sierra Leone which have created strong emotions, frustrations, and anxiety. He also said that there were therefore considerably high public expectations for the dialogue. President Koroma acknowledged the difficulty in navigating the current political stalemate. and said hard decisions needed to be taken. For this to happen, he emphasized that egos must give way to reasoning, bravado to magnanimity, and truthfulness, however inconvenient, should be central to the process. Drawing from Sierra Leone’s history of resilience and reconstruction, he expressed optimism that peace and reconciliation were possible.
He entreated all actors to remember that the nation was not in a good place, that the ordinary people were bearing the brunt of a very difficult situation, and that in the interest of lasting reconciliation, national cohesion, and development, they should strive for a mutually satisfactory outcome.
“Sierra Leoneans can show the world once again that they are capable of sitting together, talking, and finding an outcome that enhances national peace, stability, and development,” President Koroma stated.
To the development and diplomatic communities in Sierra Leone, the former President stated: “I note with great appreciation the commendable role of Sierra Leone’s development partners and diplomatic community in supporting the people of Sierra Leone and its leaders through this trying moment.”
He also had similar sentiments for the AU and ECOWAS.
“I particularly thank the Chief Facilitator, Her Excellency former Vice President of The Gambia, Mrs. Fatoumata Tambajang. Through her, I extend profound thanks to ECOWAS and the AU, for taking up this assignment. As always, I remain most willing to support your efforts in whatever way I can, for the pursuit of regional and continental peace, stability, and prosperity.