– Says Ernest Koroma
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has maintained that Sierra Leone should be put first before party loyalty and no political party or individual has greater claim to Sierra Leone than any other citizen, urging political leaders to put national interests above party loyalty and take concrete action to strengthen peace and national unity. Speaking at the opening ceremony of National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference 2026 in Freetown on Monday, October 26, Koroma said the country must move beyond repeated discussions about peace and address the divisions that continue to affect national cohesion.
The conference, organized by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) under the theme “From Agreement to Action,” brought together national and international stakeholders to discuss conflict prevention and ways to consolidate peace.
“This is our country. It belongs to all of us, and no political party or individual has a greater claim to it than any other citizen,” Koroma said, warning that political competition must not become a source of hatred, intimidation or division.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s progress since the end of the civil war in 2002, Koroma said the country had made significant gains but still needed to confront challenges that threatened lasting peace.
Recalling the 2007 change of government, he described how he intervened to restore security arrangements for former Vice President Solomon Berewa and asked outgoing ministers to continue their duties until their replacements were formally announced. He said the experience demonstrated the importance of protecting public institutions and ensuring continuity during political transitions.
Koroma urged political leaders to respect the law, acknowledge past mistakes and create an environment where citizens could express their political views without fear. He also offered to support President Julius Maada Bio in efforts to unite the country, saying, “Anytime you call, I will be ready to work with you to bring our country together.”
In his statement, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Mehdi Hussain, emphasized that protecting peace was particularly important as the country prepares for the 2028 general elections.
He warned that political leaders’ words and actions could either calm tensions and build public trust or deepen divisions.
“Peace is not the opposite of progress. It is a precondition for progress,” Hussain said, explaining that stability supports essential services, encourages investment and creates opportunities for economic development. He called for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections, responsive government policies and stronger public institutions.
Hussain also stressed the need to protect civic space and freedom of the press, describing journalists and civil society organisations as partners in the democratic process who help hold power to account and provide citizens with information to make informed decisions.
Also, First Lady Fatima Bio urged Sierra Leoneans to protect peace for the sake of future generations, recalling the suffering experienced by families during the civil war. She said children deserved to attend school safely and families should be able to live without fear, adding that political differences must never become a reason for hatred or violence.
“Peace is our national inheritance. Protecting it is our responsibility today, and preserving it is our sacred duty to the generations of tomorrow,” she said. She called on political, religious, traditional and community leaders to promote forgiveness, dialogue and cooperation.
The opening event also featured the presentation of National Peace Awards to individuals and institutions in recognition of their contributions to peace and national cohesion in Sierra Leone. PSN/27/10/2026
