By Thaimu T Kamara

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma and President Julius Maada Bio have called on Sierra Leoneans to protect peace, promote national unity, and reject divisions based on politics, tribalism, social differences, and other factors that could threaten the country’s stability.

The two leaders made the call during the opening ceremony of the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference 2026, where President Bio delivered the keynote address under the theme, “Sierra Leone’s Next Chapter of Peace and National Unity.”

The conference brought together national stakeholders, including political leaders, former national leaders, and other key figures, to reflect on Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding efforts and explore practical measures to strengthen unity, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

Former President Koroma commended President Bio for his leadership and wished him well in his tenure. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and ensuring that no form of division undermines the relationship among citizens.

Koroma’s message highlighted the need for Sierra Leoneans to rise above political differences, tribal affiliations, social divisions, and other considerations that could weaken national unity. He stressed the importance of recognizing that, despite differences in political beliefs and backgrounds, citizens share a common identity and responsibility to protect the peace of their country.

His appeal comes at a time when national dialogue and cooperation remain essential to strengthening democratic governance and sustaining peaceful coexistence.

The former president’s message reinforced the view that peace should not be the responsibility of political leaders alone but a collective duty requiring the participation of every Sierra Leonean, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or social status.

President Bio, in his keynote address, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for sustained national efforts to preserve peace, encourage constructive political dialogue, and promote peaceful electoral processes.

He outlined six key proposals aimed at strengthening peace and social cohesion across the country. The proposals are designed to translate Sierra Leone’s commitment to national unity into practical actions that can support long-term stability and peaceful coexistence.

Among the proposals is the establishment of a National Peace and Cohesion Action Framework, which would provide a coordinated approach to peacebuilding and social cohesion. The framework is expected to help guide national efforts to address divisions, encourage cooperation, and strengthen peaceful relationships among citizens.

President Bio also proposed the creation of a Peace Basket Fund to support initiatives that promote peace and national unity.

Another proposal focuses on strengthening the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, with the aim of encouraging political parties to engage in constructive discussions and resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than confrontation.

The President further proposed the development of a Code of Conduct for Peaceful Elections to promote responsible political behaviour and encourage all stakeholders to contribute to credible, peaceful electoral processes.

He also highlighted the importance of introducing peace and civic education in schools, noting the need to nurture a culture of tolerance, respect, and responsible citizenship among young people.

The sixth proposal is the establishment of a National Peace Week, which would provide an opportunity for citizens and institutions to reflect on the importance of peace, celebrate national unity, and promote peaceful coexistence throughout Sierra Leone.

President Bio emphasized that preserving peace requires continuous commitment from political leaders, public institutions, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens. He stressed the importance of constructive engagement and peaceful approaches to resolving disagreements, particularly during politically sensitive periods.

The President also commended former President Koroma and other former national leaders for attending the conference, describing their participation as an important contribution to the national conversation on peace and unity.

He further expressed appreciation to the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion for organizing the gathering and bringing together stakeholders to discuss practical ways of strengthening the country’s peacebuilding efforts.

The participation of former and current national leaders provided an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing issues affecting the nation.

The conference serves as a platform for examining the progress Sierra Leone has made in promoting peace while identifying areas that require greater attention and collective action.

The messages from Koroma and Bio underscore a shared call for Sierra Leoneans to place national interests above political, tribal, and social differences.

As the country continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, the leaders’ appeals highlight the importance of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful political engagement in building a stable society.

Ultimately, the success of the conference will depend not only on the proposals presented but also on their implementation and the willingness of citizens and institutions to work together.

For Sierra Leone to advance towards a more peaceful and united future, the commitment to national cohesion must extend beyond conference halls and become part of everyday life.

The central message from both leaders remains clear: peace is a shared responsibility, and national unity must be protected by all Sierra Leoneans.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 28th October 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)