Inter-Religious Council Apologises to Government, Traditional Leaders Over Pastor’s Controversial Remarks
Theresa Manneh The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA) and the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone held a meeting on November 12, 2026, bringing together government officials, traditional authorities, religious leaders and security representatives to address concerns and promote peaceful coexistence.
The meeting aimed to foster reconciliation and mutual respect among the Inter-Religious Council, the Government and the people of Sierra Leone.
During the engagement, the Council apologised to the Government and the Kpaa Mende Confederation over controversial remarks attributed to Pastor Francis A.M. Mambu concerning the Wonde, Poro, Bondo and other traditional societies.
The remarks reportedly suggested that the Government encourages or condones cannibalism. The Council disclosed that Pastor Mambu had been counselled on the implications of his statements and the responsibilities associated with religious leadership.
The Inter-Religious Council acknowledged that the remarks were inappropriate, recognised the Wonde Society as an important traditional institution within Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage and expressed regret over the impact of the statements.
Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty described the engagement as a positive step towards reconciliation. She also disclosed that the Government is working towards developing a National Religious Tolerance and Practice Policy aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and discouraging hate speech.