In a solemn message, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio expressed profound sadness over the passing of former President Henri Konan Bédié of Côte d’Ivoire.

The late President Bédié was hailed as an astute politician and diplomat who played a crucial role in facilitating peace talks between Sierra Leone’s Government and the Revolutionary United Front.

President Bio said: “It is with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of the former President of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr Henri Konan Bédié. On behalf of the Government and good people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I extend our deepest condolence to the Bédié family, His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara and the people of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire”.

He acknowledged the significant efforts of Mr. Bédié, along with other noble figures in Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS region, which culminated in the historic Abidjan Peace Agreement in 1996.

The late President Bédié’s role in brokering peace between the conflicting parties remains a symbol of hope and solidarity for Sierra Leone and her people.

President Bio expressed gratitude for Mr. Bédié’s friendship and dedication to the cause of peace in the region.

“We appreciate and thank Mr Bédié for being a friend to Sierra Leone and her people. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” he ended.