By Mohamed Konneh
From the pulpit, Rev. Fr. Peter Alpha Leo Konteh did not mince words. The Catholic priest used this week from the compound of St. Edward’s Parish to confront the spread of hate speech head-on, telling worshippers that “what we say about each other can build up or burn down” the fragile peace communities are working to protect. ‘Sierra Leone is a nation built on diversity, resilience, and the spirit of togetherness. We are a people of different tribes, religions, political affiliations, and cultures, yet we share one common identity: we are Sierra Leoneans,’’ Fr. Konteh said.
The Executive Director of Caritas Freetown said ‘’today, more than ever, we must reject hate speech in all its forms. Words have power. They can unite a nation, but they can also divide communities, destroy relationships, and threaten the peace that generations have worked hard to build.’’
He said the painful history reminds us that division and intolerance come at a great cost. Therefore, we must choose a different path—a path of respect, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
Fr. Konteh noted that social media, political discussions, and everyday conversations should become platforms for promoting understanding rather than spreading anger and hostility.
He said as citizens and people of faith, let us be ambassadors of peace, speaking words that heal rather than hurt, encourage rather than condemn, and unite rather than divide.
‘’Sierra Leone belongs to all of us. Let us say no to hate speech and yes to love, peace, and national unity, because a peaceful Sierra Leone is everyone’s responsibility,’’ the Rev. Fr. said.
