AYV News, October 26, 2026
President Julius Maada Bio has reiterated that he will not be a candidate in Sierra Leone’s 2028 presidential election, saying his priority is to leave behind strong institutions that serve all citizens fairly and protect the country’s peace.
President Bio made the declaration while addressing the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference 2026, where he called for greater political cooperation, national reconciliation and a renewed commitment to the country’s future.
“I will not be a candidate in the 2028 presidential election. My task now is to leave behind institutions that serve every citizen fairly and protect the peace we enjoy today,” President Bio stated.
The President emphasised that political leaders must look beyond disagreements over the past and take a responsible approach to the future of Sierra Leone. He also reaffirmed his willingness to engage people from across the political divide in pursuit of national unity.
“Political parties may disagree about the past, but we must speak responsibly about the future. My doors remain open to people of all political views, as we work towards a peaceful and united Sierra Leone,” he said.
Beyond political reconciliation, President Bio highlighted the need for the country to fulfil its outstanding obligations to victims and survivors of the civil war.
He specifically mentioned wounded war survivors, victims of sexual violence, those forced to serve as child soldiers, bereaved families and persons with disabilities, noting that many had waited too long for the state to honour its commitments.
“Our responsibility as a society is to fulfil the obligations that remain, particularly to wounded survivors of the war, victims of sexual violence, those forced to serve as child soldiers, bereaved families and persons with disabilities. They have waited far too long for this Republic to honour its commitments,” he said.
As part of efforts to address these outstanding responsibilities, President Bio directed the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and relevant institutions to review and strengthen the reparations programme recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
The programme was established to address the needs of people affected by the civil war and support the country’s broader post-conflict recovery and reconciliation process.
President Bio’s renewed declaration on the 2028 election, alongside his emphasis on institutional development and reparations for war victims, formed part of his wider message on the importance of peace, responsible leadership and national cohesion.
The National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference 2026 brings together political leaders and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening trust, promoting dialogue and protecting Sierra Leone’s peace and stability.
His statement places renewed attention on the transition beyond his current presidency, while his call for stronger institutions and support for war victims highlights the continuing challenges facing Sierra Leone’s national reconciliation efforts.
