AYV News, October 27, 2026
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has pledged to support President Dr. Julius Maada Bio by sharing his experience to strengthen leadership, promote national unity and advance Sierra Leone’s development.
Koroma made the commitment while speaking at the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference 2026, where he commended President Bio for facilitating the gathering and providing leadership that led to the establishment of the Peace Commission.
The former president assured Bio of his readiness to contribute to national peacebuilding and development whenever his experience and support are needed.
“I want to assure President Bio that I am just one call away whenever my experience or support is needed to promote peace and national development,” Koromasaid.
He added that, as a former head of state, he remained willing to share the lessons learned during his time in office to support the country’s continued progress.
Koroma emphasised that presidential leadership extends beyond the responsibility of governing, stressing that national unity must remain a central priority for any leader.
“President Bio, I wish you well on this journey. The responsibility of a president is not only to govern, but also to hold the country together. That is no small responsibility,” he stated.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s post-war recovery, Koroma recalled that the country’s peacebuilding efforts gained momentum following the end of the civil war in 2002.
He said Sierra Leone had made considerable progress in rebuilding peace and stability, noting that the United Nations had recognised the country as a successful example of peacebuilding despite the challenges encountered along the way.
Koroma’s remarks underscored the need for cooperation across political divides, sustained dialogue and collective responsibility in safeguarding the country’s hard-won peace.
The National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference 2026 brings national stakeholders together to discuss ways of strengthening trust, promoting peaceful coexistence and advancing a shared vision for Sierra Leone’s future.
His pledge to support the sitting president highlights the potential importance of collaboration between current and former national leaders in addressing the country’s challenges and consolidating peace and democratic stability.
