Sierra Leone: United Nations (UN) reiterates commitment to supporting peaceful, inclusive & credible 2023 elections – African Business

United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) Mr Babatunde Ahonsi today reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting national institutions and the people of Sierra Leone in conducting peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections later in June this year.

In his remarks at the start of a three-day training organized by UNDP and the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) for young political leaders at the Sierra Bay Hotel in Freetown, the RC also stressed the organization’s encouragement for all efforts “aimed at preventing violent conflicts that could revert the country’s gains of peace and democracy.”

He praised UNDP and PPRC for their training and stressed that youth play a vital part in the future and present of democracy in Sierra Leone.

“Engaging young people in democratic processes and allowing them to participate, safely and constructively, in politics are core aspects of any effort to sustain democracy,” the RC said.

According to Mr Ahonsi, recognition of young people as a positive force for preventing and resolving conflict and building sustainable peace has gained significant momentum after the UN Security Council resolution 2250 on youth, peace and security (YPS), on 9/12/15.

“Young people are described as key agents of change in the 2030 Agenda and crucial actors in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Mr Ahonsi indicated.

He added that their meaningful inclusion in decision-making processes is also key to the commitment in the 2030 Agenda to “leave no one behind”.

Ahonsi stated that the UN has increased its call to all countries to reduce violence, resolve disputes peacefully, promote social inclusion, address the justice needs of individuals and reduce polarization and distrust.

“We will continue to count on Sierra Leone to develop its own strategy for violence prevention in this crucial period for the country’s democracy to prevent the recurrence of the unprecedented level of violence experienced on 10 August last year,” he stated.

The Clingendael, Netherlands Institute of International Relations, will be facilitating the training. It will end on Thursday. Participants will be able to increase their negotiation and consensus-building skills.

Distributed by APO Group for United Nations Sierra Leone