Lowering the hanging clouds: the Makeni riot, the consequences, the aftermath

By: Ibrahim Jalloh - (Jallomy)✍️

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The Makeni riot and attendants consequences are pluralistic in definition, interpretation and discernment. Disproportionate apportioning of blame was heaped up and, most times, callously shifted! However, there are elements of convergence: condemnation of the entire debacle, call for justice, upsurge of humanitarianism and the commitment to "never again". In reverse order, there were outcomes and consequences     characterized by the killings and destruction of public and private properties.   There was a riot action that led to the outlined outcomes and consequences. The riot action was engineered by causative factors and/or fundamental root causes and this level is where we need to search for the beast!

The chaotic ingredients of the Makeni riot can be outlined thus:

1. Ignorance

2. Break in communication

3. Misinformation

4. Failure of local leadership

5. Invisible political incitement

6. Disregard for the due process of law

The conflicting element was the relocation, on a temporary basis, of one of three standby generators. The act of relocation of the generator could have been understood and agreed to if consultations with and information to the public were thoroughly and sincerely done. 

Collectively, we are a nation in deep regret for an action and associated outcomes that could have been effortlessly avoided.

The National Council for Civic Education and Development congregated 120 leaders of various youth groups in Makeni city and its immediate environs to reflect on the riot, its consequences and the path to distancing youth from violence through civic education. The position of the youth was revealing and indicative of the causative ingredients outlined above. We came out with a product defined as the Makeni Youth Resolution.

The outpouring of humanitarian support from mainly the Makeni Like Minds to the wounded and the bereaved families was amazing, commendable and of historic character. 

The involvement of central government was also very visible and measurable. Several delegations were sent to the bereaved families for expression of condolences and consolations.

Regrettably, our understanding, advocacy, support and condemnation of the crisis are limited to the riot action and associated outcomes and consequences. As we all call for justice, we need to refocus our minds on the causative factors and fundamental root causes. We need to zero on those who bear the greatest responsibility.

The lessons to learn from the Makeni riot are many and can be useful for our future relationship with and understanding of state processes and the absolute need for effective and proactive local leadership. We need to understand the usefulness of effective and timely communication, the value of correct and clear information and unequivocal interpretation of events in our communities.

Let us convert our energies and efforts in interpreting and analyzing the Makeni riot to opening the corridors of peace and peaceful coexistence. The aftermath of the Makeni riot calls for sincerity of purpose and productive use of our youth who are the power house of society.

We need to maintain and sustain the Makeni Like Minds by redirecting their efforts and contributions to concrete development initiatives. We need to focus on youth engagement and the provision of livelihood opportunities for youth. 

Peace is the greatest ingredient to sustainable development. We have a moral obligation to pursue peace and peaceful coexistence at all cost.

May the souls of our brothers rest in peace. May the bereaved families be comforted.