The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has presented its 2025 Annual Report and 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to President Dr, Julius Maada Bio, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening peace, dialogue and national cohesion across Sierra Leone.
The documents were presented on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, during a ceremony that highlighted the Commission’s achievements, challenges and strategic priorities for the next five years.
Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hawa Samai, expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for his vision in establishing the Commission and providing the support required for it to fulfil its mandate.
Hawa Samai described the Commission’s work over the past five years as both challenging and rewarding, noting that it had consistently relied on dialogue, mediation and reconciliation to address conflicts and build trust among Sierra Leoneans.
She commended President Julius Maada Bio for recognizing peace as the foundation of national development, adding that his commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and conflict prevention had empowered the Commission to intervene effectively in difficult situations across the country.
According to Hawa Samai, one of the Commission’s most significant achievements has been its contribution to rebuilding public confidence through dialogue and engagement. She particularly highlighted the Commission’s role in supporting the National Unity Agreement, which was designed to promote political stability, reconciliation and cooperation among key national stakeholders.
She also cited Sierra Leone’s re-eligibility for another five years of support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund as international recognition of the country’s commitment to preventing conflict and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
Hawa Samai, however, cautioned that peace should never be taken for granted, stressing that it must be continuously nurtured, protected and strengthened through collective national effort.
She described the 2025 Annual Report and the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan as a reflection of what Sierra Leone can achieve when citizens choose unity, dialogue and service over division and confrontation.
Presenting the documents, Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Board Member, Paramount Chief Sheku Tejan Fasuluku III, praised President Julius Maada Bio for establishing the Commission. He described the institution as a lasting investment in Sierra Leone’s peace, stability and democratic development.
Receiving the documents, President Julius Maada Bio commended Hawa Samai, the Board and staff of the Commission for fulfilling their statutory responsibilities and remaining committed to promoting peace and national cohesion.
“The work you are doing is critical for national development because peace and national cohesion are indispensable to the country’s progress,” President Julius Maada Bio said.
The President recalled that the establishment of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion fulfilled a major recommendation contained in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. He described the creation of the Commission as one of his administration’s important contributions to consolidating peace and strengthening democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed that peace remains the bedrock of national stability and sustainable development. He urged the Commission to intensify its efforts to foster dialogue, reconciliation, tolerance and mutual understanding across the country.
The ceremony concluded with President Julius Maada Bio formally receiving the Commission’s 2025 Annual Report and 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. He also reaffirmed his Government’s continued support for the Commission’s efforts to safeguard peace, strengthen national cohesion and promote inclusive development throughout Sierra Leone.
