AYV News, August 7, 2026
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) presented its 2025 Annual Report and 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening peace, dialogue and national cohesion across Sierra Leone.
Presenting the reports, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Madam Hawa Samai, expressed appreciation to President Bio for his vision in establishing the Commission and for the continued support that has enabled it to fulfil its mandate.
She described the Commission’s work over the past five years as both challenging and rewarding, noting that it had consistently relied on dialogue and mediation to resolve conflicts and build trust among Sierra Leoneans.
Madam Samai commended President Bio for recognizing that peace is the foundation of national development, adding that his commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and prevention had empowered the Commission to engage effectively in difficult situations across the country.
She noted that one of the Commission’s most significant achievements had been helping to build public confidence through dialogue, including its contribution to the National Unity Agreement. She also highlighted Sierra Leone’s re-eligibility for another five years of support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund as international recognition of the country’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.
While cautioning that peace should never be taken for granted, Madam Samai stressed that it must be continually nurtured and protected through collective effort. She described the Annual Report and Strategic Plan as a reflection of what Sierra Leone can achieve when citizens choose unity, dialogue and service over division and confrontation.
Presenting the documents, P.C. Sheku Tejan FasulukuIII, ICPNC Board Member, praised President Bio for establishing the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, describing the institution as a lasting investment in Sierra Leone’s peace and stability.
Receiving the report and strategic plan, President Julius Maada Bio commended the Executive Secretary, the Board and staff of the Commission for fulfilling their statutory responsibility and for their continued efforts to promote peace and national cohesion.
“The work you are doing is critical for national development because peace and national cohesion are indispensable to the country’s progress,” President Bio said.
The President recalled that the establishment of the Commission fulfilled a key recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report, describing its creation as one of his administration’s important contributions to consolidating peace and strengthening democratic governance.
He reaffirmed that peace remains the bedrock of national stability and sustainable development, urging the Commission to continue fostering dialogue and reconciliation across the country.
The presentation concluded with President Bio formally receiving the 2025 Annual Report and the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, while reaffirming his Government’s continued support for the Commission’s efforts to safeguard peace, strengthen national cohesion and promote inclusive development across Sierra Leone.
