President Bio Apologises to Civil War Victims, Pledges Le25 Million for Peace Fund
Aminata Koroma President Julius Maada Bio has apologised to victims and survivors of Sierra Leone’s civil war and pledged an initial Le25 million contribution to a proposed Peace Basket Fund in the 2027 national budget, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen national unity and social cohesion.
The President made the commitments on Monday, 26 October 2026, at the opening of the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, where he called for greater efforts to address the legacy of the war and prevent a recurrence of conflict.
“On behalf of the State of Sierra Leone, I apologise for the suffering you endured and for the protection you did not receive. “I AM SORRY,” President Bio declared, acknowledging the suffering endured by victims and survivors during the civil war.
He also directed relevant institutions to strengthen the reparations programme recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and publish a report on the implementation of its recommendations by 18 January 2027.
As part of his broader peacebuilding agenda, President Bio announced plans to develop a National Peace and Cohesion Action Framework within 90 days, strengthen the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee and introduce a Code of Conduct for Peaceful Elections ahead of the 2028 polls. He further called for peace education to be integrated into schools.
Reaffirming his political position, the President reiterated that he would not contest the 2028 presidential election, while urging national leaders and citizens to prioritise peace over political differences.
“Those of us who remember the war must now prepare the country for a generation that does not,” he said, emphasising the need to make peace an enduring part of Sierra Leone’s national culture.
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma welcomed the reconciliation efforts and pledged his support, reflecting on the importance of responsible leadership during political transitions. He recalled measures taken after the 2007 change of government to maintain continuity in public administration and protect former Vice President Solomon Berewa.
“This is the responsibility that a leader has – to hold the country together,” Koroma stated.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, also welcomed the renewed engagement between the two leaders, commending the Government and the All People’s Congress (APC) for signing the 2023 Agreement for National Unity.
“Peace is not only the absence of conflict. It is the presence of trust,” Simão said, highlighting the importance of dialogue and public confidence in national institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic community, the Deputy British High Commissioner urged political leaders to demonstrate responsibility in their words and actions as the country prepares for the 2028 elections. The diplomat stressed that peace and stability are essential for economic development, investment and effective public services, while underscoring the importance of protecting civic space and media freedom.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Rev. Dr. Shodankeh Johnson, highlighted the Commission’s work over the past five years in strengthening community mediation, early warning mechanisms and peacebuilding structures across all 16 districts.
“Peace is priceless, but sustaining it requires investment,” Johnson said, calling for increased national commitment to conflict prevention.
The two-day conference, organised by the ICPNC to mark its fifth anniversary, is being held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Rebuilding Trust, Strengthening National Unity and Advancing Social Cohesion.”
Discussions are expected to continue on Tuesday, 27 October, with stakeholders working towards a proposed Freetown Declaration and practical measures to strengthen trust and national unity as Sierra Leone approaches 25 years since the end of its civil war.