In his recent speech to the nation, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has asked Sierra Leones to “embrace unity to sustain peace and stability and advanced collective aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous country.

This call resonates with what many Sierra Leoneans have wanted in a country divided and full of tribal rhetoric.

The president acknowledges that “only through unity can we be peaceful and harmonious. We must recognize that the path to progress must be saved by unity.” He cautioned that “…unity does not imply uniformity; it is about acknowledging unity in diversity and our shared values. Unity is about recognizing that each of us contributes to the rich tapestry of our country, and together, we can achieve far more than we can individually.”

In a country divided so deep that the tension emits a heat that is felt everywhere, the president said, “We must prioritize dialogue and understanding to foster national unity and cohesion…. Only a peaceful and secure country can present a fertile ground for investments.  It seems President Bio is a born-again President trying to solve the age-old problem of political tribalism that has hindered our collective. Growth.

It’s as if President Bio is looking ahead to his legacy as he urges Sierra Leoneans to “invest in building peace and unity.” He highlighted that “our beloved Sierra Leone is a mosaic of diverse cultures and traditions. It is this diversity that enriches our heritage and makes us unique. Our diversity should be seen as a source of strength and a spring of ideas to propel us towards a brighter future.

The president concluded by saying, “Sierra Leoneans!” These optimistic words from the head of state mark the first real call to prioritize unity, and he has thrown down the gauntlet for politicians, civil society, media, and all to take up the challenge and build a country where tribalism and regionalism are minimized. Hold him to his words and help him achieve what we all want badly.