A quarter-century has passed since Freetown, the vibrant capital of Sierra Leone, bore witness to one of its most tragic episodes on January 6, 1999. On that fateful day, the rebel group Revolutionary United Front (RUF) unleashed a reign of terror, claiming over 7,000 lives and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's collective memory.

This horrific incident was not an isolated event but a haunting echo of the atrocities that marred Sierra Leone during the brutal 11-year civil war from 1991 to 2002. While Freetown faced the brunt of the January 6th attack, countless villages and towns across the country had already experienced similar waves of violence, their stories often fading into distant whispers over time.

As survivors mark the anniversary, a poignant question looms: how does a nation heal from such profound trauma? Although life has moved forward for many, the scars of the past endure. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) documented the war's horrors, yet a true national reflection and learning seem elusive.

Concerns persist that Sierra Leone's tendency to "move on quickly" may relegate the civil war and its victims to the shadows of history. Forgetting, some argue, risks failing to learn and ensures the potential repetition of violent cycles.

This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the imperative for sustained remembrance. The fallen deserve to be honored, and their stories must be preserved. Beyond social media mentions and prayers, state-led initiatives are crucial for collective healing and ensuring that future generations comprehend the depths of the country's past.

While Freetown's streets bear physical markings of reconstruction, emotional scars run deeper. As Sierra Leone gazes toward the future, it must not forget the January 6th rampage and the countless other atrocities that tore the nation apart. Only through remembrance can the country truly reconcile with its past and build a future free from the specters of its violent history.