By: Saidu Jalloh
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed commitment to democratic governance and open government during the official launching of the 2025 Salone Civic Festival on Thursday 11th December 2025 at Miata Civic Centre. The event marked the opening of a national platform aimed at strengthening civic engagement, government transparency, and public participation in Sierra Leone.
He described the festival as a space where citizens, government institutions, artists, and professionals can engage constructively on national issues.
The President also announced the revival of two major national information institutions the Sierra Leone Daily Mail and the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) which he described as essential pillars of the country’s public information architecture. The Daily Mail returns as a modern digital public-interest news outlet focused on factual reporting and civic education, while SLENA has been reintroduced as a nationwide multimedia wire service dedicated to combating misinformation and providing verified information across all districts.
President Bio further launched a central digital information platform developed by DSTI to consolidate government announcements, policies, and institutional contacts. He also unveiled the Medium-Term National Development Plan Dashboard, which enables citizens to monitor national development progress by sector and district.
In addition, he introduced three key policy frameworks including Government Information Policy, Records and Archives Policy, and National Film and Video Policy.
The President declared a major national decision January 18 will henceforth be commemorated as National Remembrance Day, honoring victims and survivors of the civil war. This fulfills a long-standing recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
On the health front, President Bio reported significant progress in maternal health, noting that Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality ratio decreased from 1,682 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 354 per 100,000 in 2023, representing a remarkable 79% decline over two decades. He also highlighted improved infant survival rates in special care baby units nationwide.
President Bio commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for organizing the festival and encouraged citizens to engage with policymakers, innovators, and institutions throughout the three-day event.
He then formally declared the 2025 Salone Civic Festival open, signaling a renewed commitment to civic participation, national cohesion, and transparent governance