The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio has reflected on the events that occurred during the 2022 August 10th protest.

“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the regrettable events of August 10th, 2022 that threatened the peace, stability and hard earned democracy of our dear nation,” Bio wrote in a Twitter post.

He said the occurrences of the protest should be a “stark reminder of the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in our society”.

The President mourned the fatalities of the protest while calling on the local population to embrace oneness for the prosperity of Sierra Leone.

“As we look into the future with optimism, let us honour the memory of August 10th by rededicating ourselves to the values of peace, stability and social harmony,” the President admonished.

He pleaded with locals to stand for the rule of law in order to protect the country’s democracy. “So, let us come together, as one people and one nation, under God, indivisible,” he pleaded.

He also asked citizens to be vigilant against “unpatriotic forces” that intend to jeopardise the peace of the country.

Twenty-six Sierra Leoneans were killed on August 10, 2022, during a protest against economic hardship which turned violent. According to the police, the fatalities include 20 civilians and 6 police officers. Several government properties were also vandalised by the angry mob.