Presidential Spokesman, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Alpha Kanu, has called on Sierra Leoneans to embrace justice, mercy, reconciliation and national unity as the country prepares to host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, describing these values as essential pillars for sustaining peace and strengthening democracy.
Delivering the opening statement during the Special Edition ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit Weekly Government Press Conference, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, Dr. Kanu urged citizens to reflect on Sierra Leone’s democratic journey while renewing their commitment to national cohesion. Addressing journalists, civil society representatives and members of the public, he said the occasion presented an opportunity to look beyond politics and focus on the enduring character of the nation.
“Today, I wish to speak not merely about politics, but about the character of a nation,” he declared, setting a reflective tone for the briefing ahead of the regional summit.
Dr. Kanu traced Sierra Leone’s history through the contributions of what he described as “Centurials”—exceptional leaders who emerged at defining moments to guide the country through periods of transformation. He paid tribute to historical figures including Bai Farma Tami, whom he credited with uniting his people during difficult times; Bai Adm Pothokis, remembered for defending the dignity and sovereignty of his people; King Naimbana, whose leadership demonstrated the power of diplomacy and dialogue; and Bai Bureh, whose resistance against colonial rule remains a lasting symbol of courage, patriotism and national pride.
According to the Presidential Spokesman, every generation is presented with unique challenges that require visionary leadership, adding that history consistently produces individuals capable of steering nations through moments of uncertainty. He said Sierra Leone’s democratic evolution has been shaped by leaders who placed the national interest above personal ambition.
Turning to contemporary history, Dr. Kanu highlighted the role of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio during the country’s civil war, recalling that in 1996, as Head of State, President Bio initiated dialogue with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), including its leader, Foday Sankoh, in pursuit of peace. He noted that despite serving as Head of State for only three months, President Bio supervised democratic elections and voluntarily handed over power to a democratically elected civilian government, a decision he described as one of the country’s most significant democratic milestones.
He further maintained that President Bio’s current administration continues to demonstrate a commitment to constitutional governance, peacebuilding and national reconciliation, saying these principles remain central to the Government’s development and governance agenda.
Moving beyond historical reflections, Dr. Kanu urged Sierra Leoneans to foster a culture that balances justice with compassion and reconciliation. He stressed that while justice is indispensable in every democratic society, lasting peace can only be achieved when it is accompanied by forgiveness, wisdom and understanding.
Drawing inspiration from religious teachings, he quoted Surah Fussilat (41:34) from the Holy Qur’an, which encourages believers to repel evil with goodness so that enemies may become devoted friends. He also cited passages from the Holy Bible, including Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,” and Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
To reinforce his appeal, Dr. Kanu referenced William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, quoting the famous line: “The quality of mercy is not strained… It is twice blessed: it blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” He complemented the literary reference with a traditional Temne proverb, “When angered, swallow the blood and spit the saliva,” explaining that the wisdom contained in religion, literature and African tradition all points to the importance of self-restraint, forgiveness and reconciliation in building lasting peace.
As Sierra Leone prepares to welcome leaders from across West Africa for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, Dr. Kanu encouraged citizens to remain steadfast in their commitment to constitutional democracy, peaceful coexistence and national unity. He observed that justice laid the foundation upon which the Republic was built, but argued that reconciliation and mercy remain indispensable for healing divisions and strengthening the nation’s future.
He said President Bio’s leadership continues to reflect a firm belief that peace, democracy and national unity are among Sierra Leone’s greatest national assets, urging citizens to protect those values for future generations.
Concluding his address, the Presidential Spokesman delivered a message that resonated throughout the conference hall: “Justice built our Republic. Mercy can strengthen it. And unity will secure it for generations yet unborn.”
His remarks officially set the tone for the Special Edition Weekly Government Press Conference, one of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s key public engagement initiatives ahead of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit. The forum forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to promote transparency, encourage national dialogue, strengthen citizen participation and showcase Sierra Leone’s preparedness to host one of West Africa’s most significant diplomatic gatherings.
