By Ibrahim Sesay 

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion - Sierra Leone (ICPNC-SL) on Monday 22nd September 2025 commemorated the International Day of Peace with a national dialogue at the Bintumani Conference Centre, urging Sierra Leoneans to embrace peace as a shared responsibility. The event was held under the theme: “Act Now for a Peaceful Sierra Leone.”

Delivering the welcome address, ICPNC Board Chairman, Reverend Shodanke Johnson, described the day as both “symbolic and prophetic,” calling on citizens to rise above just words and embrace responsibility. “Peace is not a luxury reserved for the privileged but a necessity for every citizen, every community and every generation,” he said.

Reverend Shodanke Johnson highlighted the Commission’s peacebuilding efforts since its establishment in 2021, including grassroots mediation, early warning systems and the landmark 2023 Unity Agreement between the Government and the opposition APC.

Representing the United Nations, Robert Banamwana praised Sierra Leone’s resilience and commitment to reconciliation, noting the country’s steps in inclusive governance and youth empowerment. “Peace is not the absence of war, it is the presence of justice, opportunity and inclusion,” he stressed, while urging young people to see peace as their “most important wealth.”

Ireland’s Ambassador Designate to Sierra Leone, Patrick McManus, drew similarities between Sierra Leone’s post-war recovery and Ireland’s peace process. Recalling his recent visit to the Peace Museum in Freetown, he described it as “traumatic, humbling and inspiring." He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to remain committed to reconciliation and peace strides. “True peace is both a journey and a destination that requires consistent and deliberate effort,” he said.

ECOWAS Resident Representative, John Azumah, commended Sierra Leone for its progress in sustaining stability. He emphasized that peace must be a daily practice by all citizens.

“Without peace, nothing succeeds. Peace is not an event, it is a process which we consciously have to build in order to have a secure and peaceful community,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address of behalf, V.P Juldeh Jalloh, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. reflected on Sierra Leone’s transformation from a war-torn nation to a member of the UN Security Council. He underscored that “peace is not a noun, it is a verb; an action word,” stressing the need for unity, youth participation, economic development, inclusive governance and justice reforms.

Alpha Sesay highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the new Mediation Bill, the Criminal Procedure Act and the Government’s justice sector reform strategy aimed at strengthening trust in institutions and promoting community-based dispute resolution.

He further celebrated Sierra Leone’s current ranking of 57th globally and fifth in Africa on the Global Peace Index, attributing the achievement to deliberate national efforts. “We must be intentional about sustaining our peace,” he said, pledging Government’s continued support to the ICPNC and civil society partners in peacebuilding.

The ceremony also featured a panel discussion on the theme of the event. Participants in the panel emphasized the importance of dialogue, trust-building and youth inclusion in political and community decision-making. The event was further fired up with an electrify music performance which resonated strongly with the audience and underscored the day’s message of unity and togetherness.

The commemoration was attended by Government officials, diplomats, Civil Society representatives, youth and traditional leaders which reinforced Sierra Leone’s ongoing journey toward national unity and cohesion. As Reverend Johnson reminded participants: “Let this day be more than a commemoration. Let it be a commissioning. Let us become ambassadors of peace in every district, every chiefdom and every street.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/peace-commission-marks-international-day-of-peace-with-national-dialogue-call-to-action/