Paramount Chief of Upper Bambara chiefdom, Kailahun district Cyril Foray Gondor II has on behalf of the people of the chiefdom and Bomaru Town called on the government of Sierra Leone to declare March 23rd,the date the war started in Sierra Leone,a national day for reflection.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday at Forum of Conscience in Freetown, P.C Gondor II said: “we need to reflect on what went wrongs and why did we, Sierra Leoneans did go so low to kill one another. As a family, we need to sit together and discuss that we shall never return to those dark and ugly days of war.”
He said they welcome Fambul Tok community healing initiative, which facilitates dialogue among offenders, victims and members of the community in the spirit of national healing and reconciliation.
Chief Gondor disclosed that on behalf of Fambul Tok District Executive, Kailahun and especially Bomaru town and in collaboration with Forum of Conscience and Catalyst for Peace, they are going to observe the first anniversary of Fambul Tok reconciliation project, which coincides with the national day of reflection.
He went on to state that the day would be observed with series of activities ranging from feasting, traditional dances, cultural performances to football matches.
He extended invitation to the government of Sierra Leone. Members of Parliament, the Judiciary, members of the Diplomatic community, local and international NGOs, religious and traditional leaders to Bomaru and join them in observing the occasion.
“As a nation, we need to collectively reflect on the past and say Never Never Never again shall we use guns and machetes to settle our disputes.”
He said they welcome the verdict of the Revolutionary United Front members at the Special Court and reiterated that the verdict brings an end to the retributive justice process.”Now the country needs to focus on restorative justice. It can be achieved through community reconciliation and the implementation of the TRC recommendations with emphasize reparation programs for war victims” he concluded.
