Accra:The Ministry of Sports has agreed to a proposal from the Peace Commission to organize football matches for political parties. This initiative aims to promote national unity, prevent conflict, and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, This decision was made following a high-level meeting between officials from the Ministry and representatives from the Peace Commission at the Ministry’s conference room, Stadium Hostel. The discussions focused on using sports as a platform for peacebuilding and violence prevention.
Sports Minister Augusta James-Teima clarified that the government’s current ban on community leagues and football activities is in response to a violent confrontation between Kroo Town Road and Kossoh Town communities, which resulted in loss of life. She emphasized that this restriction is temporary and part of efforts to modernize community leagues and introduce rules and guidelines for peaceful competition.
Minister James-Teima praised the Peace Commission’s initiative and encouraged ongoing engagement with young people and relevant stakeholders. She highlighted the forthcoming Inter-Ministerial Gala as an example of the Ministry’s commitment to using sports to promote peace, entertainment, unity, and national cohesion.
She also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and organizations working to prevent violence, noting that some young people involved in violent incidents may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. The Minister urged stakeholders to discourage drug and alcohol use during sporting activities as part of violence prevention efforts.
Titus Mohamed Kallon, Acting Director of Conflict Prevention at the Peace Commission, explained the objectives of the proposed matches, highlighting the need for the initiative to be part of sustained engagement rather than a one-off event. He emphasized the importance of government institutions actively supporting national peacebuilding efforts.
Simeonette Pontis, Deputy Director of Conflict Prevention, reaffirmed the Commission’s mandate to prevent conflict and resolve existing disputes. She explained the importance of engaging peace ambassadors and communities during sporting events to reduce violence and raise awareness about drug abuse.
The meeting concluded with an agreement for the Ministry and the Peace Commission to develop a unified peace message for the public through various sporting disciplines. This campaign will target young people, particularly those who were not born during Sierra Leone’s civil war, to educate them about the consequences of civil unrest and the importance of maintaining national peace.
The partnership highlights both institutions’ commitment to using football and other sports to promote national cohesion, discourage violence, and foster peaceful relations across political and community divisions.