Ministry of Information Hosts Groundbreaking Peace Engagement
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) continues to pave the way in promoting civic engagement, holding a landmark town hall meeting on Tuesday centered on the theme of peace and security for the future.
The event gathered a diverse group of participants, including government officials, opposition members, religious leaders, civil society representatives, and activists. The central theme of the discussion was “How can we foster a culture of peace in Sierra Leone?”
Supported by the UN Foundation and Purposeful, the town hall was part of a broader global dialogue on peace, with Sierra Leone playing a leading role. This event also came at a significant time for the nation, coinciding with its tenure as President of the UN Security Council.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, opened the event with a powerful message: “Today, we aim to assess where we are, understand our responsibilities, and move forward.” His remarks set the stage for the three-hour discussion.
The Minister also commended President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership, which has facilitated important national conversations on critical issues such as peace.
Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh, the keynote speaker, lauded the ministry’s efforts in sparking essential dialogues. Reflecting on the theme, he emphasized, “Our critical workforce includes young people and women; without peace for them, there can be no peace for any of us.”
John Caulker, Executive Director of Fambul Tok, praised the initiative and encouraged the ministry to extend these conversations into communities across the country. “I am pleased with this initiative. We need to bring discussions like these into communities, chiefdoms, and other grassroots levels,” he said.
Audience members echoed these sentiments, appreciating how such events are expanding civic engagement and promoting a culture of dialogue. One attendee noted, “I’m thrilled to see all these stakeholders in one room having this crucial conversation. This will significantly contribute to fostering a culture of peace.”
Chief Minister Sengeh reiterated the importance of dialogue, stating, “We have normalized conversation and civic participation, which are the cornerstones of peaceful coexistence.”
Minister Bah highlighted the ministry’s renewed focus on civic education, aiming to encourage discussions about citizens’ roles and responsibilities to foster engagement and dialogue.