…Peeps into S’Leone’s future
By Hassan Zaggi
As the general election in Sierra Leon draws nearer, one of the presidential candidates and an erudite international security and foreign policy strategist, Dr. Jonathan P.J. Sandy, has insisted that, for Africa to attain sustainable development, there must be deliberate efforts to surmount the experiences and effects of radicalisation and violent extremism.
He noted that there must be efforts at decreasing violence and ensuring the safety of youths and contribution towards the safety of their communities.
Dr. Sandy stated this while speaking as a guest at the prestigious Columbia University in New York, United States.
He was invited as a recognision for his wealth of experience in foreign policy on international security and terrorism.
The event was monitored online by our Correspondent in Abuja.
Dr. Sandy was invited as distinguished guest speaker to deliver a talk on the theme “Radicalization and Violent Extremism among the Youth in Africa- advocating for the political rights of youth and the African continent”.
Speaking while addressing a well-attended gathering comprising professors, lecturers, researchers and students, Dr. Sandy pointed out that youth in Africa face human injustices and conflict, overwhelming difficulties in securing employment, and lack services and support they need to become full and active citizens.
The Policy Strategist, however, drew attention to the World Report of 2005 which highlighted the enormous impact of armed conflict on young people and on society.
He lamented that the African continent is currently the main theatre of the war against terror, with its porous borders and the prevalence of Non-State Armed Groups, and bedeviled by human trafficking, drugs and a jobless and poorly educated youth population.
The seasoned security specialist asserted that young people could be dynamic agents of peace and that their efforts in such a direction ought to be acknowledged and supported.
The globally renown strategist, however, explained that five key dynamics will shape events in Sierra Leone 2023 and years to come, particularly the drive for Sierra Leone to become a destination for attracting increased trade and investments.
These key issues, according to him, include: “The need to ensure a credible, free and fair election on June 24, 2023, without recourse to political instability; effective management of the political transition after June 24, 2023 national elections: Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential elections; reduced Effect of global health crises; COVID, etc; reduced threat to Regional peace and security dynamics e.g impact of transnational organized crime such as money- laundering , drugs and human trafficking , the spread of radicalization and violent extremism and global economic impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukaine conflict on Africa economies – supply chain effects etc
It would be recalled that having served the UN Security Sector for over a decade now, Sandy’s invaluable contribution in mapping out stabilisation strategies in places such as Somalia, the Maghreb and Lake Chad Basin has won him a string of accolades.
He once served as Sierra Leone’s Chief of staff in the Office of National Security.
Responding to questions from our correspondent, a Nigerian born scholar, Dr. Zubairu Attah, said Dr. Sandy is a good and worthy candidate.
According to him: “We sat and talked for almost 2 hours when I visited Sierra Leone. His global ideas and views need to be localised for the good of not only his country but for Africa. Quite practical and pragmatic.”
