AYV News, October 13, 2026
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has highlighted President Julius Maada Bio’s call for global peace and stability following his keynote address at the opening of the Geneva Peace Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The First Lady expressed pride in accompanying her husband at the international gathering, where he emphasised the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect in preventing conflicts and promoting lasting peace.
Reflecting on the President’s background as a former military officer, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio noted his continued advocacy for peaceful engagement and cooperation as essential foundations for global stability.
She also highlighted his role as Chairman of the Committee of Ten (C10), which advocates for Africa’s representation in the reform of the United Nations Security Council, noting the importance of the continent’s voice in international discussions on peace, security, sovereignty and cooperation.
The First Lady drew attention to the President’s message, “Choose peace, and choose it early,” describing it as a timely call for the international community to prioritise dialogue over division, understanding over hostility, and diplomacy over confrontation.
According to her, peace goes beyond the absence of conflict and requires a collective commitment, courage and wisdom from world leaders and communities.
She further called for sustained efforts to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence, stressing that choosing diplomacy over confrontation is essential to securing a more stable future for humanity and generations to come.
President Bio’s participation in the Geneva Peace Forum 2026 places Sierra Leone’s voice within wider international discussions on conflict prevention, global security and cooperation.
