By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone has emerged as the second most peaceful country in West Africa, a notable achievement announced by Moses Margao, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), during the government’s weekly press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Margao revealed that according to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Sierra Leone ranked 57th out of 163 countries globally, 5th most peaceful in Africa, 2nd in West Africa, and 1st within the Mano River Union.
He attributed this success to collective national efforts, emphasizing that the credit did not belong to any single political party.
“It was the collective effort of the people of Sierra Leone, and this glory is not tied to any political party,” he stressed.
Moving beyond the Peace Index, Margao updated the press on the implementation of the Eight-Point Unity Agreement signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) following political tensions after the 2023 general elections.
He noted that one of the key components of the agreement required President Julius Maada Bio to make a national call for unity and cohesion.
Margao further disclosed that the agreement had led to the APC’s full return to governance participation, marking the end of its previous non-engagement stance. He described the resolution as a crucial step toward sustaining democracy and strengthening inclusive governance.
Margao also reported that President Bio, in consultation with all registered political parties, the Peace Commission, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN), had overseen the review of the national electoral system and constitution. He confirmed that the review process had been completed and that a comprehensive report had already been submitted to the President.
As part of the unity agreement, the government also committed to releasing individuals detained during civil protests. According to Margao, the APC submitted a list of detainees, and 36 individuals have already been released, with efforts ongoing to complete this aspect of the agreement.
A significant outcome of the agreement is the institutionalization of inter-party dialogue. Margao stated that mechanisms had been put in place to ensure political disagreements are resolved through discussion and negotiation rather than confrontation or incitement. A roadmap for these dialogues has already been established.
In his closing remarks, Margao assured the public that concrete measures are being implemented to prevent future electoral disputes. He stressed that the ongoing reforms and legal reviews aim to safeguard the country’s peace and stability in the years ahead.