By Hassan Osman Kargbo
President Julius Maada Bio has officially proclaimed January 18 of every year as a nationwide public holiday to honour and remember those who lost their lives during Sierra Leone’s civil war. The declaration establishes the date as a National Remembrance Day dedicated to reflection, reconciliation, and the promotion of lasting peace across the country.
The President made the announcement on December 11, 2025, noting that the civil war remains one of the most painful chapters in Sierra Leone’s history. He described the conflict as a national tragedy that claimed countless lives, displaced communities, and inflicted severe damage on the country’s social and economic foundations.
President Bio recalled that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established after the war to provide an impartial account of the conflict and to recommend measures that would ensure sustainable peace. According to him, one of the key recommendations of the commission was the designation of January 18 as the official date marking the end of the civil war and as a national day of reconciliation.
He explained that January 18 will now be observed annually as a National Remembrance Day devoted to honouring victims and survivors of the war, while also promoting peace building, civic education, and community engagement. The President emphasized that many Sierra Leoneans continue to live with physical injuries and emotional trauma resulting from what he described as a brutal conflict that affected every part of the country.
“This day will give us the opportunity to remember those who paid the ultimate price and to stand with those who survived and still bear the scars of the war,” President Bio said. He added that the observance will also recognise the sacrifices of individuals who worked and fought for peace, stability, and national security.
The President stressed that the annual commemoration will serve as a reminder that violence must never again be used as a means of addressing grievances. He said the day will help deepen national cohesion and reinforce a shared commitment to peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding.
President Bio further explained that the proclamation is intended to fully uphold the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. By setting aside a specific day for reflection, he said the nation can collectively remember the horrors of the war and reaffirm why such a conflict must never be allowed to happen again.
He noted that the Remembrance Day will also have an educational purpose, particularly for younger generations who were not born during the conflict. According to him, January 18 will provide an opportunity for children and young people to learn about the consequences of violence and the importance of resolving differences through peaceful means.
The President said the observance will also send a message of solidarity to survivors and families of victims, assuring them that the nation has not forgotten their pain and remains committed to healing and reconciliation.
The annual National Remembrance Day stands as both a solemn reflection on Sierra Leone’s painful past and a symbol of hope for a peaceful future. By institutionalising January 18 as a day of remembrance and reconciliation, the country reaffirms its dedication to unity, peace, and the collective responsibility of safeguarding stability for generations to come.
