By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has firmly dismissed widespread rumours suggesting he is battling cancer, assuring the nation that his recent weight loss is intentional and not linked to any illness. The President made the clarification on Friday, 20 March 2026, during Eid-ul-Fitr prayers held at the Presidential Lodge on Hill Station, where he joined Muslims across the country to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Addressing growing public speculation about his health, President Bio spoke candidly to worshippers and the wider public, putting to rest weeks of concern fueled largely by social media discussions surrounding his physical appearance.
“People have been claiming I’ve been diagnosed with cancer because of my weight loss. Insha’Allah, God will not give me cancer. I will only return to God when He calls me; no one in this world can decide that,” the President stated.
He emphasized that his weight loss was a personal decision aimed at improving his health and well-being, and not the result of any medical condition. His remarks were met with relief by many supporters and observers who had expressed concern over his visibly slimmer frame in recent months.
The President’s public response marks the first time he has directly addressed the rumours, which had gained traction in both political circles and online platforms. By confronting the speculation head-on, he sought to reassure citizens of his fitness to lead and to dispel misinformation surrounding his health.
The clarification came within the broader context of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, a significant event in the Islamic calendar marking the conclusion of Ramadan; a month of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.
President Bio, accompanied by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, hosted members of the Muslim community, religious leaders and senior Government officials at the Presidential Lodge for prayers and fellowship. The gathering reflected Sierra Leone’s enduring tradition of religious tolerance and unity among its diverse population.
Delivering the Eid sermon, Sheikh Umar Chernor Bangura underscored the importance of faith, trust in God and national unity. He described fasting during Ramadan as an act of obedience to Allah and a demonstration of spiritual discipline, while urging Sierra Leoneans to embrace peace, love and coexistence irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
The Imam also called on citizens to pray for national leaders, noting that the success of leadership is closely tied to the progress and stability of the nation. He commended President Bio for his continued engagement with the Muslim community, particularly for opening the Presidential Lodge for prayers and Iftar throughout Ramadan.
In his Eid message, President Bio extended warm greetings to Muslims across Sierra Leone and beyond, highlighting the importance of unity and collective responsibility in nation-building.
“Eid Mubarak! Today, we stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters to celebrate the completion of Ramadan. I wish all families a blessed Eid filled with love and happiness. May our collective prayers for the nation be accepted,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal background, the President shared a touching account of his upbringing, noting that although he is a Christian, his mother was a devoted Muslim who often took him to the mosque during his childhood. He said that experience instilled in him a deep respect for Islam and reinforced his commitment to promoting interfaith harmony in Sierra Leone.
President Bio reiterated that the values demonstrated during Ramadan, discipline, sacrifice, compassion and mutual respect, are essential pillars for strengthening national cohesion and advancing development.
“The end of Ramadan is not only a time of celebration but also a moment for renewed commitment to our shared values as a nation,” he noted.
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation to the Muslim community and religious leaders for their dedication throughout the Holy Month. She thanked the President for making the Presidential Lodge accessible for prayers and commended the role of religious leaders in fostering unity and moral guidance.
She concluded with prayers for Allah to accept the fasting and عبادات (acts of worship) of the faithful, while encouraging continued solidarity among Sierra Leoneans.
The Eid-ul-Fitr event brought together a broad cross-section of society, including Government officials, clerics and community members, symbolizing a shared commitment to peace, inclusiveness and national progress.
President Bio’s appearance at the event, coupled with his direct engagement on the issue of his health, is expected to ease public concern and reaffirm confidence in his leadership. Despite the recent rumours, there has been no official medical report indicating any serious health condition and the President continues to carry out his duties.
Sierra Leone celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr with a clear message from its leadership: unity, faith and resilience remain essential to sustaining peace and advancing national development.
