CHRDI threatens to hold Public Demonstration If…
By Kadiatu Sankoh
On Tuesday 5th March 2024, the campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) spoke on the human rights related issues and the ongoing Leadership crisis at the University of Sierra Leone at a press conference held at their Conference Room at Wilkinson Road.
Speaking at the Press Conference, The Chief Executive Officer of CHRDI, Abdul Fatoma, mentioned that he has been always grateful to the media in all of their campaigns for their support, and regards them as partners. He furthered that the current goings on between the University of Sierra Leone and the government of Sierra Leone has put the nation in shock.
He stated that the government’s handling of the issue of the University of Sierra Leone is considered as a means of vandalizing the laws of the country, jeopardizing the future of students and employees in the University, adding that the action by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has directly affected over 9,750 people, stressing that this is serious. He maintained that they are not seeing any genuine commitment from the Government to address this challenging and disturbing issue, as a result they have decided to communicate directly to the citizens and the government. If really the government of Sierra Leone is serious and committed about Education and the right to education and respect for the rule of law, therefore he is urging the government of Sierra Leone to immediately resolve the current crisis within the University and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.
He furthered that the constitution is the highest law of the land, adding that no one, including a Minister does have the right to violate a law passed by Parliament. He called on the government to observe the Rule of Law and reinstate the University of Sierra Leone Court, in accordance with the Laws of Sierra Leone.
He called for dialogue between the government and the dissolved University Court, within the confines of the law. He stressed that if the government is unable to respect its own laws, then it a crisis, adding that the Constitution of Sierra Leone placed an obligation on the government to ensure that people have access to education welfare and their security. The government should guarantee citizens’ safety, furthering that the current situation jeopardizes the education of young people.
The CEO disclosed that they will issue a 14 working days’ notice to the Government of Sierra Leone, and should the government fail to adhere to their notice, the Organization will be left with no option than to stage a public demonstration in front of the Ministry of Technical Higher Education offices at New England Ville, Freetown.
He furthered that in this regard, they will request for police clearance to stage the proposed demonstration at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education offices, adding that those who have interest to join them, should be protected by the state security.
He stressed that all what they are advocating for is for the government of Sierra Leone to respect the right to Education, maintaining that some 9,750 people are directed impacted, and that these are just Students that are about to graduate and matriculate. He then gave a breakdown of the number of students and the respective institutions.