By Forum staff writer
The Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has called on national leaders and stakeholders to place peace and national stability above constitutional considerations, stressing that constitutional processes cannot succeed in an environment of conflict and division.
Speaking on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone programme, Executive Member of the IRCSL, Sheikh Ibrahim Barrie, said the Constitution remains an important instrument for governing the country but argued that peace must provide the foundation for every constitutional process.
“The Constitution is important, but the peace of the country is more important. You cannot implement a Constitution in a country that is not peaceful,” Sheikh Barrie said.
He explained that the Council’s position informed its recent press release on the ongoing constitutional review process. According to him, the review should be approached in a manner that protects the country’s hard earned peace and prevents disagreements from creating unnecessary tension.
Sheikh Barrie urged political leaders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue as discussions around constitutional reforms continue.
He said the country’s leaders have a responsibility to ensure that political and constitutional differences do not undermine national cohesion.
The IRCSL’s intervention comes amid renewed public discussions over the constitutional review process, with different political and civil society actors expressing varying views on proposed changes and how the process should be conducted.
The Council has encouraged stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and ensure that all relevant groups have an opportunity to participate in the process.
Sheikh Barrie stressed that inclusivity should remain central to the constitutional review, arguing that decisions affecting the country should be discussed openly and handled in a way that promotes national understanding.
He also called on citizens to avoid actions and statements that could increase political tension, particularly at a time when the country is discussing important national issues.
The Inter Religious Council has continued to play a role in promoting peace, dialogue and understanding among Sierra Leoneans from different religious and social backgrounds.
Its latest position reinforces the Council’s call for national leaders to place the interest of the country above political differences.
According to the Council, constitutional provisions are essential for democracy and good governance, but their effective implementation depends on a stable and peaceful society.
Sheikh Barrie therefore urged all stakeholders involved in the constitutional review process to put Sierra Leone’s peace and unity first.
For the IRCSL, the message remains clear: constitutional reforms should strengthen national unity rather than create divisions, and preserving peace must remain the responsibility of every leader and citizen.
