Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has called for sustained dialogue, mutual respect and trust among Sierra Leone’s current and former political leaders, saying these are essential to lasting peace, national unity and development.
Koroma made the call on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during a meeting with a delegation from the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) at his residence in Makeni, ahead of the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference scheduled for October 26–27 at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, where he is expected to serve as a panelist.
Welcoming the conference, Koroma described it as timely and necessary, urging political leaders to rise above their differences and work together on issues affecting the country. He proposed regular consultations among current and former national leaders, citing Nigeria as an example, and suggested that sustained engagement between himself and President Julius Maada Bio would reassure citizens that national interests come before political affiliations.
He also recalled his relationship with former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and former Vice President Solomon Berewa, highlighting their communication and exchanges as examples of how former leaders can continue contributing to national affairs through consultation and mutual respect.
During the meeting, Binta Mansaray, Registrar of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, stressed that the conference should focus on peacebuilding, reconciliation and social cohesion rather than partisan differences.
ICPNC Executive Secretary Hawa Sally Samai welcomed Koroma’s recommendations, saying the conference should lead to lasting relationships among political leaders rather than temporary displays of unity. She called for the President, former presidents and former vice presidents to meet regularly, visit one another and participate in formal and informal engagements to strengthen peace and social cohesion.
The ICPNC delegation also included Northern Region Coordinator Foday Kanu and Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach Hawa Barrie.
The October 26–27 conference is expected to bring together national stakeholders to discuss practical ways to promote political tolerance, rebuild public trust and strengthen cooperation. The commission’s engagement with Koroma forms part of broader consultations aimed at involving key stakeholders in advancing reconciliation and preventing conflict in Sierra Leone.