ICPNC, Sports Ministry Discuss New Approach to Fan Violence
Sia Lucy Kannah The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, met with the Ministry of Sports in Freetown to establish a strategic partnership aimed at curbing fan violence and promoting peaceful coexistence through sports.
Acting Director of Conflict Prevention at the ICPNC, Titus Kallon, highlighted the influence of sports in communities and expressed concern over tensions and violent clashes associated with some sporting events. He stressed the need to promote tolerance, respect, discipline, and non-violence alongside sporting activities.
Kallon, accompanied by Deputy Director of Conflict Prevention Simeonette Pontis, proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ICPNC and the Ministry of Sports to formalize joint peacebuilding activities and integrate peace messages into sporting events nationwide.
Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima welcomed the initiative and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate, noting that sports provide a strong platform and audience for promoting positive social change.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Sports Kai Lawrence Mbayo and Permanent Secretary Swalihu Kenneth Moi Jusu. Both institutions are expected to finalize the MoU in the coming weeks and begin implementing community-focused peace programmes at sporting events across Sierra Leone.