Government of Sierra Leone Declares Wednesday a Public Holiday for Armed Forces Day
Deborah Sorie The Government of Sierra Leone has officially declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a nationwide public holiday in observance of Armed Forces Day.
In a public notice issued from State House on Tuesday, the Office of the President informed the general public that the day will be set aside to honor the country’s military personnel.
Armed Forces Day is an annual commemoration in Sierra Leone, officially instituted in 2002 by the late former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. The date marks the anniversary of the official declaration of the end of the Sierra Leone Civil War in 2002.
The holiday serves to appreciate and recognize the sacrifices of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), including those who served in the World Wars, the decade-long civil war of the 1990s, and current international peacekeeping missions.
As a result of the declaration, government offices, schools, and banks across the country are expected to be closed for the duration of the day.
Celebrations typically include military parades and ceremonies presided over by the President, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief.
