On behalf of the United Nations system in Sierra Leone, Resident Coordinator Dr Babatunde Ahonsi, yesterday, while launching the ‘Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding’ project, disclosed that the UN will continue to support efforts that enable all Sierra Leoneans to work together in this crucial period for the country’s democracy to prevent a recurrence of the unprecedented level of violence experienced on 10th August last year.
He made this commitment at the National Peace Museum, where he delivered the keynote address at the UN Peacebuilding Fund-supported project to be implemented by the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) and in partnership with CARITAS.
Dr Ahonsi said that the UN subscribes to any effort to reduce violence and resolve disputes peacefully while promoting social inclusion, addressing the justice needs of people, and reducing polarization and distrust.
According to the Resident Coordinator, “Investing in the capacity, agency, and leadership of young political leaders will strengthen their ability to collaboratively lead peace efforts and use their skills to tackle other concerns affecting their lives, particularly in these challenging national and international national and international times.”
He noted challenges among the youth, particularly in terms of unemployment and the effect of drug abuse on them. These are increasingly worrisome as the country moves towards the June 24th national elections amidst high political tension and toxic and divisive political discourse.
Dr Ahonsi said he was glad that the project addresses the need to strengthen dialogue at all levels of society, including community stakeholders, traditional leaders, the Inter-Religious Council, the Sierra Leone Police, the Office of National Security, city and district councils, chiefdom youth councils, and political party structures.
11,604 youth from five districts will benefit from the two-yearlong project, amounting to close to 2 million dollars, and in attendance at its launch were also the CRS Country Rep, the CARITAS Director, the Youth Commissioner, the Inter-Religious Council, the President of CARITAS and the Director of NGO Affairs at the Ministry of Planning and Development who all made statements.