The ATK Foundation for Peace and Democracy: the enduring legacy and the growing seeds of statesmanship.

By: Ibrahim Jalloh – (Jallomy)

Life after the presidency can be painfully catastrophic. The culture of statesmanship is a degraded reality in Africa, especially in struggling democracies.  Most often than not, retired presidents are denied the privileges and niceties of statesmanship when once they walked out of the presidential palace.  

When former presidents are subjected to disdain and dishonor, the face of the State is presented in a bad light. Regrettably, however, former African Presidents have an unending appetite for power and the glory loaded in the cauldron of power much to the unsettling comfort of the incumbency. Not wanting to let go the reins of power is always a solid source for conflicting realities and disrepute.  A great exception to this was the late President Ahmad Tegan Kabba of blessed bliss and memory.  

The late President Kabba was extremely phenomenal. He came at a time when the prevailing circumstance and trying times demanded nothing less than the leadership chemistry of Pa Kabba, as fondly called. As a national leader, President Kabba was strong and bold enough to break the giant chains of the ethno regional divide. He fostered a government of national unity and political inclusion of all shades of political opinions. His dramatic conclusion of the war was a testimony to is view of Sierra Leone as the greatest entity.

Establishing a foundation in his honor cannot wait. His legacy is real and visible and will continue to echo across ages. The late president Kabba never saw politics as an industry but a great opportunity to serve his people and he served us well.