Maada Bio, Former President Koroma to Attend National Unity Conference in Freetown
Tolulope Aina President Julius Maada Bio is expected to deliver the keynote address at the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference, which begins today, Monday, 26 October 2026, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.
The two-day conference, organised by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), is being held under the theme, “From Commitment to Action: Rebuilding Trust, Strengthening National Unity and Advancing Social Cohesion.”
President Bio’s address, titled “Sierra Leone’s Next Chapter of Peace and National Unity,” is expected to focus on strengthening peace, rebuilding public trust and promoting unity across political and social divides.
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has also confirmed his participation in the conference after receiving an invitation from an ICPNC delegation at his residence in Makeni.
Koroma welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of peace and unity to national development.
“Peacebuilding is a painstaking endeavour, but it is critical for national development because no nation can progress without peace,” he said.
The conference will bring together current and former national leaders, political representatives, traditional and religious authorities, civil society organisations, young people, women, media representatives and international partners.
Participants are expected to discuss practical measures to prevent conflict, promote inclusion, strengthen the rule of law and improve responsible media communication.
The conference is also expected to produce the Freetown Declaration on National Unity and Social Cohesion 2026, outlining priority actions and recommendations for strengthening national cohesion.
The gathering comes three years after the Government and the All People’s Congress signed the Agreement for National Unity, with attention focused on translating commitments to peace and political dialogue into practical results.