By: Marian Magdalene Bangura
As Sierra Leone prepares to host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, Presidential Spokesman Hon. Dr. Alhaji Alpha Kanu has called on citizens to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and embrace the enduring values of justice, mercy, reconciliation, and national unity.
Dr. Kanu made the call while delivering the opening statement at the Special Edition of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit Weekly Government Press Conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.
Addressing journalists, civil society representatives, and members of the public, Dr. Kanu moved beyond conventional political commentary to reflect on Sierra Leone’s history, leadership, and the values that continue to shape the nation’s identity.
“Today, I wish to speak not merely about politics, but about the character of a nation,” he said.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s historical journey, Dr. Kanu described the country’s most influential leaders as individuals who emerged at critical moments to respond to the demands of history and guide the nation through periods of transformation.
He paid tribute to historic figures, including Bai Farma Tami, whom he described as a unifying figure during a period of national uncertainty; Bai Adm Pothokis, remembered for defending the dignity and sovereignty of his people; King Naimbana, whose legacy represented the importance of dialogue and diplomacy; and Bai Bureh, whose resistance against colonial rule remains a symbol of courage and patriotism.
According to Dr. Kanu, every generation produces leaders with the responsibility and capacity to address the challenges of their time.
Turning to contemporary leadership, Dr. Kanu reflected on President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s emergence during one of the most difficult periods in Sierra Leone’s history.
He recalled that in 1996, during the country’s civil war, then Head of State Brigadier Julius Maada Bio played a significant role in initiating dialogue with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), including its leader Foday Sankoh, to pursue peace.
Dr. Kanu further noted that President Bio supervised democratic elections and voluntarily handed over power to an elected civilian government after serving as Head of State for three months. He described the action as an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic development.
According to the Presidential Spokesman, President Bio’s leadership continues to emphasize peace, constitutional governance, reconciliation, and national unity.
Dr. Kanu called for a national culture that embraces not only justice but also compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Drawing inspiration from religious teachings, he reminded Sierra Leoneans that lasting peace requires both the courage to forgive and the wisdom to pursue reconciliation where justice allows.
Quoting Surah Fussilat (41:34) of the Holy Qur’an, he said:
“Repel evil with what is better; then the one between whom and you there was enmity may become as though he were a devoted friend.”
He also referenced teachings from the Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
And “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
To further illustrate his message, Dr. Kanu quoted Shakespeare’s famous passage from The Merchant of Venice:
“The quality of mercy is not strained… It is twice blessed: it blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”
He also cited a traditional Temne proverb: “When angered, swallow the blood and spit the saliva.”
Dr. Kanu said these teachings from religion, literature, and African tradition reflect a common message: that sustainable peace is achieved when justice is guided by wisdom, compassion, and reconciliation.
As Sierra Leone prepares to welcome leaders from across the West African region for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, Dr. Kanu urged citizens to remain committed to peace, constitutional democracy, and national cohesion.
He noted that while justice remains the foundation of every democratic society, reconciliation is necessary to heal divisions and strengthen national unity.
“President Bio’s record has consistently reflected a belief that peace, democracy, and national unity are among our Republic’s greatest treasures,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Kanu delivered a message centred on national responsibility:
“Justice built our Republic. Mercy can strengthen it. And unity will secure it for generations yet unborn.”
His address set the tone for the Special Edition Weekly Government Press Conference, which forms part of MoICE’s public engagement activities ahead of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.
The briefing is aimed at promoting transparency, encouraging national dialogue, and strengthening citizen participation while showcasing Sierra Leone’s preparedness to host one of the region’s most important diplomatic gatherings.