6 March, 2008

Sitting on a Powder Keg

There are genuine reasons to think that Sierra Leone is moving towards violence once again. The series of incidents occurring between the two main political parties cannot be classified as anything more than preparation for violence. In Bo, there is still the replica of tension of the violent attack on the SLPP office by the APC youths. In Pujehun tension is building up on the issue of the painting of the Court Barray red. In Freetown, APC and SLPP youths clashed on the issue of the arrest of Dr. Sylvia Blyden; Publisher of the Awareness Times Newspaper.

Previously; on 17th September, 2007, the SLPP office was systematically vandalized by APC youths. There are hard talks coming from both sides. This ugly situation should be nipped in the bud. If that does not happen, I am afraid we are heading for disaster. I am really worried for this country. For that reason, I have been praying fervently for God's intervention. I know and believe that the reason for all of this is because the APC is not used to this kind of governance. The APC after taking power in 1967 turned this country to a one party state. For that reason, they are not used to the system of governing in a multi-party atmosphere. The APC is used to suppressing the people and rule in a fashion that is designed by only them. This type of rule has been out dated since the APC was overthrown by the NPRC. That has long gone. Using young people to act as thugs should not be encouraged in Sierra Leone anymore. Thuggery led to the formation of RUF. Thuggery led to the killing of thousands of Sierra Leoneans. Those who have not learned their lesson should leave politics for the ones that are peaceful. I am astonished at the way things are being handled since the APC came to power. Every other day there is news of clashes between APC and SLPP.

If things continue this way, people will lose confidence in the two parties and the end result will be to kick them out. Thank God a third force (PMDC) still exists although sources close to lawyer Charles Margai, have it that; Charlie is not pleased with the President. Reliable sources have it that Charles Margai is dissatisfied with the way things are being run by the President.

AT the moment, APC and SLPP are looking for the slightest opportunity to cause havoc. The SLPP has the feeling that, they have been pushed to the wall and therefore they are ready to go into action if anything violent is attempted on them. Likewise the APC thinks that they are in power; therefore, they should use that power to silence the SLPP. That is how it is looking which means we are sitting a powder keg. It can explode at any time and innocent civilians will suffer the consequences. Personally, I am inviting the international community to interfere now, and not to wait until things have gone bad.

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