Mr. Ceesay made these remarks yesterday, Thursday, at Mansakonko Area Council hall during a day-long Interface Dialogue between Decentralised Structures and Grassroots Political Actors in Lower River Region. The dialogue was organised by the National Council for Civic Education and supported by UN Peace Building Fund through UNICEF.
He encouraged all to learn to tolerate and respect each other when sharing their views and opinions during exchanges.
The interface under the theme: ‘Strengthening Tolerance and Mutual Coexistence among Grassroots Political Actors and Decentralised Structures’ was aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and collaboration among local authorities and political actors at the grassroots ahead of the upcoming 2023 Local Government Elections. The engagement was also meant to help build the capacities of stakeholders on the concepts and principles of democracy, democratic governance, fundamental rights and respect for the Rule of Law.
“Being in an electioneering cycle requires constant engagement to reorient the citizens, sensitise and educate them on their civic rights and obligation to be able to meaningfully and responsibly exercise their political rights, while maintaining peace throughout the process,” Ceesay pointed out.
He stated that due to their commitment to citizens’ participation in governance and political processes, within the framework of their mandate to create and sustain awareness of constitutional democracy for the achievement of political, economic and social stability through civic education, they have over the years amplified their engagements across the country to promote peace and cohesion.
“Since we’re in a democracy, every citizen has a right to express his view, differences are naturally likely to occur, but the right thing to do when such diversity occurs is to dialogue, debate, persuade and compromise, but not otherwise,” he also said.
He added that tolerance and respect for the rule of law are very critical in the promotion of democracy, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.
He thanked UN Peace Building Fund through UNICEF for the support given to the NCCE to be able to facilitate the interface.
Sesidi Dibba, councilor, Kwinella Ward, in his remarks on behalf of Mansakonko Area Council chairman, said without peace there cannot be meaningful development, adding that through dialogue there will be peaceful coexistence among citizens.
He added that everyone has a right to political association and therefore urged citizens to unite and end political differences amongst them.
Kebba Marong, the alkalo of Jarra Jenoi in his remarks on behalf of the chief of Jarra West District, said politics go and come but citizens continue to live together, saying people should not allow politics to divide them. He therefore urged citizens to learn from politicians who are united.
