Bio, Koroma Renew Call for Unity and Peaceful 2028 Transition

President Julius Maada Bio and former President Ernest Bai Koroma have urged Sierra Leoneans to strengthen national unity, political tolerance and reconciliation during a two-day conference in Freetown.

The National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference, organized by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, opened on 26 October and continued on 27 October at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Aberdeen.

The gathering brought together senior government officials, former vice presidents, political party representatives, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, development partners and members of the diplomatic community. Discussions examined Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding experience and measures to prevent future conflict.

Bio announces reconciliation measures

Delivering the keynote address, President Bio said lasting peace required more than the absence of violence or the holding of elections. He said national cohesion should be reflected in public institutions, political relationships and citizens’ daily experiences.

“Peace must therefore become part of our national culture. It must be visible in our institutions, in the trust people have in one another and in the way we treat one another,” Bio said.

The president also issued a formal apology on behalf of the State to people affected by Sierra Leone’s civil war, acknowledging that many victims and survivors continue to live with physical injuries, emotional trauma and economic hardship.

“On behalf of the State of Sierra Leone, I apologize for the suffering you endured and for the protection you did not receive. I am sorry,” he said.

Bio directed the National Commission for Social Action and other relevant institutions to review and strengthen the reparations programme recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He also instructed responsible institutions to publish a report on progress in implementing the Commission’s recommendations by 18 January 2027.

He called for expanded mental-health and psychosocial support for war survivors, directing the Ministry of Health to work with the Peace Commission and faith-based organizations on the issue.

The president further announced that an initial Le25 million allocation would be included in the proposed 2027 national budget for a Peace Basket Fund. The proposed fund is intended to support peacebuilding, reconciliation and community-based conflict prevention.

A National Peace and Cohesion Action Framework is expected to be published within 90 days. According to the conference commitments, the framework would set out outstanding obligations under the Agreement for National Unity, identify responsible institutions and establish deadlines and measurable indicators.

Koroma pledges continued support

Former President Koroma welcomed the conference and said he remained ready to support national reconciliation efforts. He described holding the country together as a central responsibility of the presidency.

“The responsibility of a President is not only to govern, but also to hold the country together. That is no small responsibility,” Koroma said.

He also assured President Bio that he would remain available to assist with reconciliation efforts, saying, “I want to assure President Bio that, moving forward, I will be just a telephone call away.”

Bio said he would complete his constitutional mandate in 2028 and transfer power peacefully to the person chosen by Sierra Leonean voters. He added that he would not contest the 2028 presidential election.

Calls for responsible political conduct

Rev. Dr Shodankeh Johnson highlighted the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion’s work during its five years of existence, including community mediation, conflict prevention, early-warning systems and peacebuilding activities across all 16 districts.

Leonardo Santos Simão commended Sierra Leone’s efforts toward democratic governance and national reconciliation, describing the country’s movement from civil war to democratic rule as an important example of recovery and resilience.

Mehdi Hussain urged political leaders to protect democratic gains and act responsibly in their public statements and conduct. He warned that inflammatory political rhetoric could damage public confidence and weaken national stability.

Participants discussed the Agreement for National Unity, human rights, accountability, public trust, conflict prevention, early-warning mechanisms and sustainable financing for peacebuilding. They also considered proposals including stronger inter-party dialogue, a code of conduct for peaceful elections, peace and civic education in schools, a National Peace Week and work toward a National Peace Memorial.

Awards were presented to Sierra Leoneans and foreign nationals for contributions to peacebuilding. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Freetown Declaration on National Unity and Social Cohesion 2026.

The initiatives announced at the meeting will depend on implementation, continued political commitment and their ability to respond to citizens’ concerns, according to the conference assessment.