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Returning from high-level international energy discussions, Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella has joined citizens across Sierra Leone in observing the country’s first-ever National Remembrance Week, a period dedicated to honoring the victims and survivors of the nation’s eleven-year civil war.
The week-long commemoration marks a significant moment in Sierra Leone’s post-war history, providing space for reflection on the human cost of the conflict and reinforcing the country’s collective commitment to peace and national unity.
Dr. Yumkella, who serves as Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, returned to the country after participating in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) General Assembly in Abu Dhabi, which concluded on January 12, 2026.
Speaking on the significance of the observance, Dr. Yumkella highlighted the white ribbon adopted by the government as the official symbol of remembrance for the period running from January 14 to 21.
“The white ribbon is more than a symbol,” he said. “It represents peace, resilience, and our collective resolve to ensure that Sierra Leone never returns to the dark days of conflict. It reminds us of the high cost of war and the responsibility we share to safeguard the peace we now enjoy.”
National Remembrance Week builds toward January 18, a date of profound historical importance in Sierra Leone. The day marks the anniversary of January 18, 2002, when the country’s brutal civil war was officially declared over by then-President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
The observance is expected to feature various remembrance activities nationwide, aimed at honoring those who lost their lives, acknowledging the resilience of survivors, and educating younger generations on the importance of peace, reconciliation, and national cohesion.
