Sierra Leone’s Civil Peace Service Network (CPSN) observed the International Day of Peace on September 19, 2025, with a compelling appeal for urgent action to protect the country’s environment as a fundamental component of sustainable peace.

The event took place at the Conference Hall of the Council of Churches Sierra Leone on King Harman Road and convened community leaders, government officials, and civil society organizations to reflect on the critical connection between peace and environmental health.

This year’s theme, “Action for Peace: Let’s Act Now to Protect Our Environment,” emphasizes the need for collective efforts to safeguard Sierra Leone’s fragile ecosystems and ensure a healthier future for all citizens.

Adenike Antonia Cole, CPSN’s National Coordinator, highlighted that although December 21 is globally recognized as the International Day of Peace, Sierra Leone’s peace journey is ongoing. She emphasized that peace extends beyond the cessation of conflict to include the safety and sustainability of the environment, which directly influences the well-being of the population.

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Madam Aminata Finda Massaquoi provided a stark overview of the country’s environmental challenges, notably the proliferation of open dumpsites that exacerbate health issues such as malaria and other infectious diseases.

She underscored the importance of effective waste management and called for changes in community attitudes toward waste disposal to foster national resilience and growth.

Representatives from key government agencies detailed ongoing efforts to address environmental issues. Miskuda Williams of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disaster prevention and community resilience.

Mary Sia Foyia, Senior Communications Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), emphasized that a healthy environment forms the foundation for peace. She discussed the EPA’s work in waste management, pollution control, and partnerships aimed at enhancing recycling initiatives. Foyia acknowledged the global challenge posed by plastic waste and advocated for localized, collaborative solutions, suggesting that recycling, rather than outright bans, offers a practical path forward.

Marie Bob Kandeh, President of the Market Women Association, called for increased civic education to improve waste management practices among traders and market vendors. She noted that behavioral change is difficult but essential for environmental and social harmony.

Superintendent Gibril Hassan Sesay of the Freetown City Council outlined municipal initiatives, including flood mitigation projects, the “Freetown: The Tree Town” campaign, and new sanitation laws. These measures aim to curb illegal dumping through stricter penalties and mandatory waste collection registration, striving to create a cleaner, safer urban environment.

Abass John Kamara, representing the Sierra Leone Network on the Right to Food, highlighted the link between environmental health and peace, warning that poor drainage and waste management lead to waterborne diseases and social instability. He urged collaborative efforts to enhance sanitation standards.

Haja Rabiatu E. Conteh, National Secretary General of the Market Women Association, criticized the government’s management of waste disposal, alleging that land designated for dumpsites has been sold off, leaving vendors without proper waste disposal facilities, thus complicating sanitation efforts.

The event featured performances by the Freetown Players, who staged a skit promoting peace, unity, and community development. Their performance served as a reminder that environmental stewardship and peace are collective responsibilities vital for the country’s stability.

As Sierra Leone continues its path toward stability and prosperity, CPSN’s commemoration underscores a vital message: sustainable peace is rooted in environmental health. Achieving this requires collective action, active community participation, and strong government commitment to protect the environment and ensure a peaceful future for all Sierra Leoneans.