“PREVENTION OVER CRISIS: KOROMA AND PEACE COMMISSION VOW TO BUILD A STRONGER, UNITED SIERRA LEONE”
By David K.Fengai
FREETOWN — Preventing conflict before it escalates and strengthening national collaboration for peace were at the centre of discussions on Saturday, 12 September 2026, when a delegation from the Independent Peace Commission met with Former President Ernest Bai Koroma following his return to Sierra Leone.
The delegation was led by the Commission’s Board Chairman, Rev. Shodankeh Johnson, and included Executive Secretary Hawa Sally Samai, the Director of Conflict Prevention and Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach Hawa Barrie.
Welcoming the Former President, Rev. Shodankeh expressed appreciation for his return and acknowledged his continued engagement with the Government of Sierra Leone. He reflected on the progress the country has made in sustaining peace and assured Koroma of the Commission’s commitment to working with national stakeholders whose experience and influence can contribute to peace and national cohesion.
Receiving the delegation, Former President Koroma said it was good to be back home and clarified that his return was not in any new official capacity, but as a retired President focused on peace, national cohesion and development.
A central part of his message was the need for greater emphasis on preventive peacebuilding. He warned against a “fire brigade” approach to conflict resolution and urged the Commission to strengthen early warning mechanisms to identify risks before they explode. Periods of calm, he said, must be used to address grievances and strengthen relationships.
Former President Koroma also announced plans to establish a foundation focused on peace, good governance and democracy, which he said could collaborate with the Peace Commission. He noted he had informed President Julius Maada Bio and reaffirmed his readiness to contribute. Drawing from the West African Elders Forum, he stressed that former Heads of State have a vital role in dialogue and mediation.
Presenting the Commission’s Annual Report, Executive Secretary Hawa Sally Samai said the Commission has shifted from a reactive to a preventive model over its five years. She highlighted the work of Peace Monitors, Mediators, Paramount Chiefs, civil society, and the 898 Toll-Free Hotline as key tools. She also briefed Koroma on efforts to assess implementation of the TRC, Tripartite Committee, and Agreement for National Unity recommendations, and announced a Peace and National Cohesion Symposium in October.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing readiness to collaborate on prevention, dialogue, reconciliation and national cohesion.
