By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called on Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad to embrace 2026 as a decisive “Year of Action,” stressing that the country has reached a critical turning point where stability must now translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

In his New Year’s Day National Address on Thursday 1 January 2026, the President struck a sober but hopeful tone, acknowledging the economic and social pressures confronting families while expressing confidence that the difficult decisions taken in recent years have laid a solid foundation for progress. He emphasized that 2026 would not be a year for “easy words or quick assurances,” but one demanding steady leadership, careful choices, and collective effort.

“Many families have begun this year with concern, but also with hope,” President Bio said, thanking Sierra Leoneans for their patience, resilience, and sense of responsibility during challenging times. He noted that citizens’ endurance had helped keep the nation steady amid global and domestic shocks.

Placing Sierra Leone’s situation within a broader global context, President Bio observed that countries worldwide are grappling with high living costs, fiscal constraints, climate pressures, and uncertainty. While acknowledging that Sierra Leone has not been immune to these realities, he insisted the country is “not helpless.”

According to the President, tough but necessary decisions taken in recent years to stabilize the economy, strengthen public institutions, and rebuild confidence are beginning to bear fruit. “The year 2026 is an important turning point,” he declared, adding that the focus must now shift from stabilization to delivery.

He outlined clear benchmarks by which government performance would be judged: improved public services, more affordable food, job creation, and effective responses to citizens’ needs. He pledged prudent management of public finances, stressing that government would live within its means, avoid short-term fixes, and ensure transparent and responsible use of public resources.

“Some decisions will be painful in the present,” he admitted, “but they are taken to protect our children’s future and prevent recurring crises.”

Food security emerged as a central pillar of the President’s address, with renewed emphasis on the Government’s flagship Feed Salone Programme, described as a cornerstone of the Big Five Game Changers. President Bio reiterated that a nation unable to feed itself remains vulnerable.

In 2026, he said, government would intensify efforts to boost domestic food production and improve the movement of produce from farms to markets. Farmers are to benefit from better inputs, equipment, storage, and transportation, measures aimed at shielding families from high food prices while giving farmers the confidence to plan and invest.

The President also highlighted agriculture as a key avenue for youth employment, noting that modern farming demands skills, organization, and commitment. “When agriculture works, it creates jobs, supports rural families, and strengthens the entire economy,” he said, framing Feed Salone as a programme rooted in dignity, work, and national self-reliance.

Reaffirming his administration’s people-centred development agenda, President Bio underscored continued investment in education, with greater attention to quality and skills that prepare young people for work and responsible citizenship. Healthcare, particularly primary care, maternal and child health, and access to essential medicines, will also remain a priority.

The President spoke firmly about the growing threat of drug abuse, especially the use of Kush, which he described as destructive to lives and communities. He pledged that those involved in the production and sale of drugs would face the full force of the law, while government would also strengthen prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for those seeking help.

Addressing the youth directly, President Bio urged young people to reject addiction and embrace learning, meaningful work, and discipline. “Sierra Leone needs your energy, your ideas, and your sense of responsibility,” he said.

Looking ahead, the President stressed the need to broaden the country’s economic base in 2026 and beyond. He identified agriculture and agro-processing, fisheries, mining, tourism, renewable energy, oil and gas prospects, and the digital economy as key growth sectors.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) were described as central to job creation and community development. President Bio assured local and international investors that his government remains committed to removing barriers, improving access to finance, and creating an enabling environment in which businesses can thrive.

With political parties beginning preparations for the 2028 General Elections, President Bio appealed for responsible conduct from all political actors. He warned that political competition must never undermine peace, weaken institutions, or disrupt public service delivery.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Tripartite Agreement, describing the reforms as essential to restoring confidence in the electoral process and rebuilding trust in democracy.

In his closing remarks, President Bio reminded Sierra Leoneans that no nation resolves all its challenges in a single year. What matters, he said, is a clear direction and the discipline to stay the course.

He called on citizens to uphold the Constitution, respect the rule of law, act with integrity, and place the national interest above narrow considerations. Drawing strength from the country’s shared religious and traditional values, he expressed confidence that unity, patience, and steady effort would yield lasting progress.

“I enter this New Year fully aware of our challenges, yet confident in our collective strength,” President Bio concluded, wishing the nation a productive, peaceful, and hopeful 2026, and invoking God’s blessings on the Republic of Sierra Leone.