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Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, on Wednesday called on Sierra Leoneans to reflect on the country’s past and honour the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and national unity as the country launched its first-ever National Remembrance Week.
Mr. Bah made the call during a symbolic White Ribbon pin-up ceremony at State House, marking the official start of the week-long national observance. He urged citizens to wear the white ribbon as a sign of solidarity and to actively participate in remembrance activities throughout the period.
“Today, as we pin this white ribbon, we remember our past, honour the sacrifices made, and reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Sierra Leone,” Mr. Bah said, stressing that unity, peace, and collective memory are essential to national development.
The ceremony was led by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who was pinned with a white ribbon by the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Madam Hawa Samai. The white ribbon symbolises remembrance, peace, and national reflection, and honours those who lost their lives in service to the nation.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Chief Minister, and Cabinet Ministers also received white ribbons, underscoring the government’s collective commitment to national healing, unity, and reconciliation.
National Remembrance Day will be observed on January 18, with commemorative activities and public engagements continuing until January 21. The extended observance is intended to provide citizens across the country with time for reflection, dialogue, and remembrance.
President Bio and senior government officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting a culture of remembrance and reconciliation, noting that acknowledging past sacrifices is central to building a peaceful and united future.
The White Ribbon campaign has since gained nationwide support, with schoolchildren, members of the armed forces, police officers, commercial drivers, and other citizens seen wearing the ribbon across the country.
As part of the commemorations, local councils, civil society organisations, and non-governmental organisations are holding memorial services and reflection events in communities nationwide.
In addition, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, will host a special event to recognise the role of journalists during the civil war, honouring those who lost their lives in the line of duty and acknowledging the resilience of survivors.
