Rev. G. Kargbo: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 28 May 2019:
For three days, May 23 – 25, 2019, Sierra Leoneans converged at the Bintumani International Conference Center at Aberdeen in Freetown for a National Dialogue Forum on Democratic Consolidation for Peace and National Cohesion in Sierra Leone, dubbed – Bintumani 3.
For those three remarkable days, Sierra Leoneans representing different shades of opinion gathered under the auspices of the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) to chart the course for a new Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, with the primary aim of strengthening the peace infrastructure in the country, against a backdrop of palpable political tension between the ruling SLPP and the main oposition APC.
Apart from the opening ceremony that was characterized by several position statements and the keynote address by His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, the rest of those three days saw presentations from six discussion panels on varying topics, with moderators and panelists, followed by open dialogue sessions from among the audience that came from all walks of life and across the length and breadth of the country.
At this juncture, however, it becomes noteworthy to reflect on the last panel that could best be described as unique for several reasons, especially as it relates to the choice of topic, the composition of the panel, the choice of moderator and a noteworthy incident that should warrant the attention of every Sierra Leonean – regardless of differences in shades of opinion or divergent views on happenings in Sierra Leone.
It should be noted for the attention of all that among the six sessions, this was the only topic that was stated in Krio titled: “Wetin Wi Want Fo Salone”, a topic suggesting the very essence of the National Dialogue Forum, with room for frank discussion, as the views of the people were solicited about the dire needs of the nation at this material point in time.
Considering the full potential and implications of the topic, the organizers brought together for the panel, a representative from the Tricycle Riders Association (“Keke” Riders), a representative from the Ghetto Youths, a representative from the Market Women Association and a representative from the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues, in addition to a representative from the Rokel Commercial Bank.
Apart from the representative from the Rokel Commercial Bank, all the other panelists for the last session could be described as representing the common man or the ordinary people, thus making their contributions vital to the overall outcome of the conference and the setting up of a permanent peace infrastructure for Sierra Leone.
They did not mince their words in expressing their grievances about the law, in respect of the Courts and the Sierra Leone Police.
Concerns were raised about how they are treated in their various vocations and interactions with the different publics, the seeming lack of equal opportunities for the abled and the disabled and related issues.
It was mostly a clear picture of marginalization, with the need for serious attention to be paid to their concerns by state machineries, especially with the pending Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.
It should be stated emphatically that this was the only panel that was moderated by a woman – the Chairperson of the Unity Party, Madam Femi Claudius-Cole. As a mother, she did her best to manage the discussion.
But matters came to a head when in the estimation of some members of the audience regarding the fact that the representative from the Ghetto Youths was not robust enough to articulate the views of the Young people of the country, when the representative described himself as a “feminist” and was thus throwing his weight behind the women to head the new commission.
With this situation, the Conference center became very rowdy. Calls for quiet were not heeded by the audience.
Amidst such deafening noise, the National Anthem was played. Everyone in the conference center standing to attention, ignoring the tension. After such a profitable use of the National Anthem, the deliberations of the conference continued as if nothing had happened.
Noting the importance of the conference as a means of fostering national unity and cohesion through the establishment of the new Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, that incident of using the National Anthem to end an escalating tension, should teach us as a nation a very sobering lesson that we should be ready to invest in our national symbols as they provide a ready atmosphere for national unity and cohesion, with a huge potential to keep us united and peaceful.
It should be emphasized that over time and as a nation, we have neglected the popularization of these national symbols, both statutory and non-statutory. But Bintumani 3 among other things, should leave a lasting impression on our minds that with these national symbols – the National Anthem, the National Flag, the Public Seal or Coat-of-Arms, the National Pledge and others – Sierra Leone and her people can work towards a united and cohesive nation, thus ignoring those things and issues that keep us divided or separated.
At this critical juncture in the history of Sierra Leone, the national significance of that one incident at the Bintumani 3 conference – with the positive use of the National Anthem, cannot be overemphasized. This lends credence to the activities of a leading governance institution in the country – the National Commission for Democracy (NCD).
The NCD was, among other things, established to popularize these national symbols in order to instil a strong sense of nationalism and patriotism in our daily pursuit of a national identity that has eluded us and becoming an enigma, as we disintegrate into the quagmire of petty bickering, with the huge potential of undermining not just our peaceful co-existence, but also meaningful national development.
As a nation, even as we pursue those “big things”, we can’t afford to ignore, but rather should invest in those “small things” that have the potential to change the narrative for the Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.
Our peace, unity and cohesion are usually hidden in the small things that we often ignore or dismiss without thinking twice, and we can’t afford to do the same for these national symbols, if we are to keep Sierra Leone peaceful, united and cohesive.
Thanks to the Almighty, the APC leadership were absent from the Bintumani 3 conference, because based on our recent experience they would have done something to disrespect our national anthem, just to prove to potential investors and the world that we are not united.
With all due respect to the good Reverend and others just like him – Bintumani 3 wasn’t as remarkable as he is painting it out colorfully to be here. Colors and crayons are for children, mature adults must see beyond the scribblings of impulsive toddlers and make proper and rational decisions.
And just to be clear, let me ask – which error-free yardstick has the SLPP, the Reverend and others been using to adequately measure the outcome of an event like Bintumani 3? Seriously, I would like to know how someone or anyone would call what’s actually a farce and a political charade, a ‘remarkable event’ – even with the exclusion and absence of the most significant opposition voices in our Country.
Remarkable in what way good Reverend Sir? That it was a huge failure and disappointment – or because it was a poorly organised, hastily managed, I’ll advised misrepresentation of what mutual understanding, National Cohesion,and Peace should look like?
And to the young cubs of the APC, whose aim is to someday run with majestic Lions, I say to you – always be alert, focused and fully aware. Remember that wherever naive and gullible people are gathered together in large numbers, as was the case in Bintumani, there also will be travesties, distortions and corruption, create their prejudicial safe havens and Tribalistic, scruffy looking nests.
The only thing Bintumani 3 actually achieved was to add fuel to fire and divide an already fragile, volatile nation further, and erratically apart. Again, although National symbols are of great importance, I sincerely believe that the dismal and perplexing atmosphere in Sa Lone today is totally out of control, and such symbols like flags, anthems, banners, hats, and other types of Nationalistic memorabilia can do very little to help us salvage what is now left of this already ruined and bankrupt nation of ours.
Drastic measures are needed in order to survive, thrive and prevail in desperate times like this. Many Sierra Leoneans, including myself rarely ever wear the national colors, others not as frequently as they should. Bottom line, no one is feeling patriotic during these trying times.
And that’s the plain,and simple truth! Who is it among all of you Patriots in Sa Lone, that can sing an anthem on an empty stomach, day in and out – or continue cheerfully to dwell in strange, depressing perennial darkness that has succeeded in subduing and overcoming a poverty a stricken nation, forcing it on its knees to finally acknowledge and concede defeat?
First we must make the lives of the masses easier, then all things pertaining to Nationalism will fall perfectly in their rightful places….Rising Sun Will Rise Again!