The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) marked the International Day of Peace on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Bintumani International Conference Center in Freetown.

Themed “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” the event brought together Sierra Leoneans and international partners to highlight the importance of unity, understanding, and sustainable peace in the country and beyond.

This year’s International Day of Peace, observed globally on September 21, provided an opportunity for the Commission to reflect on Sierra Leone’s journey toward peace, especially in the context of its conflict-ridden past.

Event chairman, Dr. Idriss Mahmoud Tarawallie, emphasized the ongoing nature of peacebuilding in Sierra Leone. “While violence may be easy, achieving lasting peace takes time, effort, and commitment,”

Dr. Tarawallie remarked, underscoring that peace is more than the mere absence of conflict; it involves fostering dialogue and mutual understanding, even amid global and local tensions.

Rev. Shodankeh Johnson, the Board Chairman of ICPNC, reiterated this sentiment, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to integrate peace into the daily lives of Sierra Leoneans.

He praised both local and international stakeholders for their support in commemorating the day.

“Peace must become a way of life, not just an event,” Rev. Johnson asserted, adding that the nation must work together to strengthen governance and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

During his remarks, Rev. Johnson also challenged the notion that diamonds were the primary driver of Sierra Leone’s civil war, instead pointing to the role of poor governance as a key factor.

He called for collective accountability to maintain the country’s hard-earned peace and prevent future conflicts.

In her keynote address, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana reflected on the global and local challenges of maintaining peace.

“True peace is not simply the absence of violence but an ongoing process of justice, dialogue, and mutual respect,” Wakana stated. She also highlighted the significance of the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, urging everyone to replace division and inequality with hope and unity.

The event concluded with a drama performance and documentary screening that reinforced the need for peace and good governance.

Participants included representatives from civil society, government, and international organizations, all sharing a common vision for a peaceful Sierra Leone.

The International Day of Peace celebration underscored the nation’s ongoing commitment to peacebuilding, while also acknowledging the work that remains to be done to ensure a future of justice and harmony for all Sierra Leoneans.