Sunkarie Kamara – FBC Intern, AYV News, September 23, 2025
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC-SL) over the weekend held a peace walk, marking the International Day of Peace, with the theme: ‘Leh we do Somtin Now-Now for Salone E Kolat Wan’.
The walk was attended by the Sierra Leone Police, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, National Fire Force, the Office of National Security, Civil Society Organisations and international development partners.
Participants walked the streets of Freetown from Up-Gun Roundabout in the east end of Freetown to Kallon Car Park onLumley Beach Road, Aberdeen, while similar processions took place in Port Loko, Kenema, Bo and Makeni.
Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach at ICPNC-SL, Salia Kpaka said the walk was the first in a series of activities to commemorate this year’s Peace Day.
He said, “We want to demonstrate to Sierra Leoneans and the world that, irrespective of our differences, we are one family. The work of peace is not a one-man show; it is a collective responsibility. Sierra Leone’s progress in being ranked the fifth most peaceful country in Africa and 57th globally.”
Representing the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone, Head of Development, Carju Hannon spoke on the connection between peace and national prosperity, noting, “If we want the country to grow, if we want our children to have a bright future, we need to continue to strive for peace; in our homes, our communities and our country”. She said the initiatives like the Peace Museum are crucial for deepening understanding of peace.
Research Officer at the Office of National Security, Ibrahim Turay said peace and security remain the foundations of national development, while Lieutenant Colonel, Simeon Beahai of the RSLAF affirmed the military’s dedication to peace, highlighting its impact on both national stability and family life, and Superintendent Samuel Saio Conteh, Deputy Head of Community Relations of the Sierra Leone Police, commended the coordination among stakeholders.
