kleverson.kawa@awokonewspaper.com
Kenema, SIERRA LEONE – In response to the prolonged impasse at the Kenema City Council, civil society organizations in Kenema have convened a major stakeholders’ engagement aimed at restoring peace and cohesion within the Council.
The town hall meeting, held in Kenema, brought together representatives from the Council’s political leadership, including the Mayor, councillors, and core staff such as the Chief Administrator. The event was organized by a coalition of civil society groups seeking to mediate the ongoing dispute and foster institutional harmony.
Lahai Galiwa, Executive Director of the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MORD), outlined the purpose of the meeting, emphasizing the need to “break the chain of discord” that has plagued the Council for an extended period. He presented a position paper on behalf of the CSOs, condemning recent acts of violence within the Council and calling for dialogue and reconciliation.
“The ultimate goal of this engagement is to provide a platform for all key parties to be heard and to work toward lasting peace,” Galiwa stated. He added that civil society has a crucial role in promoting mediation and sustaining national tranquillity.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Peace Commission, Interreligious Council, Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Human Rights Commission, the Decentralisation Secretariat, and Kenema District Council, among others.
Alex Bonapha, Director of the Decentralisation Secretariat, urged councillors to uphold the integrity of the Council and act in accordance with its rules and responsibilities. He encouraged both the political leadership and councillors to resolve their differences amicably and provide strong support to the Chief Administrator and Council staff for the advancement of the municipality.
Echoing similar sentiments, representatives from other participating institutions highlighted the critical role of peace and collaboration in the effective governance and development of the city.
The meeting also provided a platform for councillors, including Mustapha Kallon and Mayor Thomas Baio, to share their perspectives on the root causes of the Council’s internal disputes.
Allieu Joseph Pedia, Executive Director of the Global Village Network, concluded the session with a renewed commitment to continued engagement with Council authorities and other stakeholders to resolve the longstanding tensions. KK/7/5/2025
