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Presidential Spokesman, Hon. Dr Alhaji Alpha Kanu, has called on Sierra Leoneans to embrace justice, mercy and national unity as the country prepares to host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, describing reconciliation as essential to safeguarding the nation’s peace and democratic progress.
Speaking at the Special Edition ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit Weekly Government Press Conference organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, Dr Kanu urged citizens to reflect on the values that have shaped Sierra Leone’s history and continue to define its future.
Addressing journalists, civil society representatives and members of the public, he said his remarks were intended to focus not only on politics but on the character of the nation, stressing that Sierra Leone’s democratic journey has been sustained by justice, peace and reconciliation.
Dr Kanu traced the country’s history through the contributions of prominent national figures whom he described as leaders who emerged at critical moments to guide the nation through periods of significant change.
He paid tribute to Bai Farma Tami, Bai Adm Pothokis, King Naimbana and Bai Bureh, noting that each demonstrated leadership that responded to the challenges of their respective eras.
Turning to contemporary history, Dr Kanu reflected on President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s role during the country’s civil war, recalling that as Head of State in 1996, he initiated dialogue with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), including its leader Foday Sankoh, in pursuit of peace.
He also highlighted President Bio’s decision to oversee democratic elections and peacefully transfer power to a civilian government after serving as Head of State for three months, describing it as a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic development.
According to Dr Kanu, President Bio’s leadership has continued to reflect a commitment to constitutional governance, peace and national reconciliation.
He further appealed for a national culture that balances justice with compassion, arguing that lasting peace can only be achieved when justice is accompanied by forgiveness and reconciliation where appropriate.
Drawing from religious teachings, Dr Kanu quoted Surah Fussilat (41:34) of the Holy Qur’an, which encourages responding to evil with goodness to transform hostility into friendship. He also cited Matthew 5:7 and Matthew 5:9 from the Holy Bible, emphasising Christ’s teachings on mercy and peacemaking.
To reinforce his message, he referenced William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, quoting the well-known passage that describes mercy as “twice blessed,” benefiting both the giver and the receiver. He also shared a traditional Temne proverb, saying, “When angered, swallow the blood and spit the saliva,” as an illustration of restraint and reconciliation.
As Sierra Leone prepares to welcome leaders from across the West African sub-region for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, Dr Kanu urged citizens to remain committed to constitutional democracy, peaceful coexistence and national cohesion.
He maintained that while justice provides the foundation for every democratic society, mercy and reconciliation are indispensable for healing divisions and strengthening national unity.
Concluding his address, Dr Kanu underscored his message with the words: “Justice built our Republic. Mercy can strengthen it. And unity will secure it for generations yet unborn.”
His remarks officially opened the Special Edition Weekly Government Press Conference, which forms part of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s public engagement activities ahead of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, aimed at promoting transparency, public participation and confidence in Sierra Leone’s readiness to host the regional gathering.
