Churches in Sierra Leone have voiced concerns over the rising violence seen in the country and urged the government to address the polical crisis in the nation.
At least 18 people have reportedly died in riots in the country in recent weeks including an incident at the main prison in the capital of Freetown on 29th April after an inmate tested positive for coronavirus. President Julius Maada Bio has blamed the main opposition party for the violence, saying in a broadcast last Friday that they were aimed at making the country ungovernable. The All People’s Congress has denied the accusations.
According parts of the statement posted on the World Council of Churches’ website, church representatives noted “with utter disappointment” the increasing level of violence in the country and the “irresponsible” use of social media which they say has been flooded with hate speech.
“Sad to say these incitements have led to the loss of human lives and burning down of both private and public properties in some parts of the country,” the church leaders said.
Describing the lawlessness in the nation as “appalling”, they said there was “a growing national concern that this level of lawlessness is a threat to national security and political stability.”
“We are concerned that our beloved nation may once again degenerate into total chaos if we allow this circle of violence to continue unchecked.”
The church leaders called on “all our youths to resist being misled and used by politicians but rather channel their energies to the good of the country”.
“We call on all Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad to be patriotic and join the fight against the common enemy COVI19.”
Last week, the UN called on authorities and political parties to work together so they can focus on tackling the coronavirus outbreak which has so far infected more than 330 people and killed 19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
