By: Saidu Jalloh
President Julius Maada Bio and former President Ernest Bai Koroma have called for sustained efforts to consolidate peace, strengthen national unity and promote social cohesion in Sierra Leone, urging citizens and stakeholders to translate peacebuilding commitments into practical action.
The two leaders made the call at a national peace and cohesion conference held to reflect on Sierra Leone’s journey since the end of the civil war on January 18, 2002, and explore practical measures to safeguard the country’s peace and democratic progress.
Speaking at the conference, President Bio said that although the declaration of the end of the civil war marked a significant turning point in Sierra Leone’s history, it could not restore the lives lost or erase the suffering endured by thousands of citizens during the conflict.
He acknowledged the progress the country had made in rebuilding communities, restoring peace and strengthening democratic governance but stressed that the experiences and grievances of victims and survivors must not be overlooked.
President Bio emphasised that the country’s post-war recovery must be accompanied by concrete efforts to address the challenges that contributed to the conflict, including exclusion, injustice, abuse of authority and violence.
He said lasting peace must go beyond the absence of violence and become deeply rooted in national institutions, communities and the everyday relationships among citizens.
According to him, building a peaceful and united nation requires public trust in institutions, mutual respect among citizens and a collective commitment to resolving disagreements without resorting to violence.
The President also welcomed former President Koroma and other national and international dignitaries to the conference, describing the gathering as an important opportunity to reflect on the country’s peacebuilding journey and identify practical ways to strengthen national cohesion.
Reflecting on the achievements made since the war, President Bio highlighted efforts to disarm former combatants, establish truth and reconciliation mechanisms, conduct democratic elections and rebuild communities devastated by the conflict.
He urged participants to embrace the conference theme, “From Commitment to Action,” by ensuring that discussions and declarations translate into measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
President Bio stressed that the success of peacebuilding initiatives should be measured by tangible progress within communities, strengthened public confidence and the ability of citizens to experience meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
He called on government institutions, civil society organizations, community leaders and citizens to work collectively towards consolidating the country’s peacebuilding achievements and protecting future generations from the devastating consequences of conflict.
Meanwhile, former President Ernest Bai Koroma commended President Bio for the steps he has taken to consolidate peace in Sierra Leone, assuring him of his support based on his experience as a former head of state.
Koroma said his experience in national leadership had given him valuable lessons that he was willing to share in support of efforts to maintain peace and strengthen national unity.
He acknowledged that Sierra Leone had made considerable progress since the end of the civil war in 2002 but cautioned against allowing the country to remain trapped in the painful experiences of its past.
The former President called for open discussions on outstanding national issues, stressing the importance of confronting difficult truths as part of the process of building a stronger and more united country.
Citing Rwanda as an example, Koroma noted the importance of confronting the painful realities of the past as a foundation for reconciliation and national progress.
He urged Sierra Leoneans to seize the opportunity to consolidate peace, address existing challenges and accelerate national development, emphasizing that peace should not be regarded as the responsibility of government alone.
Koroma stressed that every citizen and institution has a role to play in preserving the country’s stability and ensuring that future generations inherit a peaceful and united nation.
Both leaders underscored the importance of moving beyond political declarations towards practical initiatives that address citizens’ concerns, strengthen social cohesion and reinforce the foundations of sustainable peace.
Their calls come as Sierra Leone approaches the 25th anniversary of the official end of the civil war, renewing national attention on reconciliation, justice, inclusion and the collective responsibility to protect the peace the country has achieved.