By Marion Rion Bangura
The Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Hawa Sally Samai, has called on Sierra Leoneans to translate peace commitments into concrete action, stressing that lasting national cohesion depends on the collective efforts of all citizens.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Monday at the Miatta Conference Centre, Madam Samai said recent political developments present a valuable opportunity for the country to strengthen reconciliation and deepen national unity.
The press briefing, chaired by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, focused on the theme: “The ECOWAS Summit and What It Means for Peace and National Cohesion.”
Madam Samai emphasized that while dialogue and political agreements are important, their success ultimately depends on effective implementation.
“The real challenge is not reaching agreements but ensuring they are fully implemented,” she said, noting that citizens want to see tangible outcomes rather than promises.
Addressing concerns over the inclusion of individuals with conflict-related histories in national dialogue, she urged Sierra Leoneans to focus on the broader objective of sustaining peace through accountability and the faithful execution of agreed commitments.
She stressed that preserving peace is a shared responsibility involving the Government, political parties including the APC and SLPP, civil society organizations, security institutions, development partners and every Sierra Leonean.
Reflecting on the country’s civil war, Madam Samai said the painful lessons of the conflict should continue to guide national efforts toward peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect.
She also expressed concern that approximately 61 percent of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) remain unimplemented, particularly those relating to governance reforms, reconciliation, healing and social welfare.
According to her, addressing those outstanding recommendations is essential to consolidating peace and preventing future conflict.
“The responsibility for peace does not belong to one individual or institution. It belongs to every Sierra Leonean because this country belongs to all of us,” she said.
Madam Samai concluded by describing Sierra Leone’s transition from civil conflict to peace as a model worthy of recognition across Africa and beyond, urging all citizens to safeguard the progress achieved through unity, dialogue and sustained commitment to national cohesion.
