In their statement, the missions expressed concerns over the inflammatory language circulating on social media and called on the citizens of Sierra Leone to refrain from engaging in rhetoric that could jeopardise peace or undermine the democratic process. They emphasised the need for restraint regarding the outcome of the elections.
"The Heads of Missions urge all Sierra Leonians within and outside the country to refrain from any inflammatory language that could lead to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of the country," the statement read.
The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) announced on Tuesday evening that the incumbent President, Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), won the election with 1,566,932 votes. His closest rival, Samura Kamara of the All Peoples Congress (APC), received 1,148,262 votes. President Maada Bio, aged 59, was subsequently sworn in for his second and final five-year term later that same night.
Despite the heightened tension leading up to the polls, Sierra Leone has largely remained calm, as stated by Wealth Ominabo, the Communications Officer of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. Ominabo highlighted that prior to the elections, the WAEF mission, led by Goodluck Jonathan, held meetings with various stakeholders to emphasise the importance of peaceful polls. The team has continued its consultations with stakeholders, aiming to foster a consensus for a peaceful transition.
The call for calm from the West Africa Elders Forum and international observer missions comes as Sierra Leone navigates the post-election period and seeks to maintain stability and democratic processes.