By Ibrahim Sesay
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC-SL) on Saturday organized a nationwide peace walk to mark the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21. Held under the theme: “Leh we do Somtin Now-Now for Salone E Kolat Wan,” the event drew broad participation from the Sierra Leone Police, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the National Fire Force, the Office of National Security, Civil Society Organizations and international development partners.
In Freetown, participants marched from Up-Gun Roundabout to Kallon Car Park at Beach Road, Aberdeen, while similar processions took place in Port Loko, Kenema, Bo and Makeni. The show of unity underscored the significance of peace as a shared responsibility across all sectors of society.
Speaking during the event, Salia Kpaka, Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach at ICPNC-SL, explained that the walk was the first in a series of activities to commemorate this year’s Peace Day. He reminded Sierra Leoneans that peacebuilding requires collective effort. “We want to demonstrate to Sierra Leoneans and the world that irrespective of our differences, we are one family. The work of peace is not a one-man show; it is a collective responsibility,” he stated. Salia Kpaka further noted Sierra Leone’s progress in being ranked the fifth most peaceful country in Africa and 57th globally, but stressed the importance of striving toward becoming the continent’s most peaceful nation.
The Embassy of Ireland, a key development partner of the ICPNC, was also represented. Carju Hannon, Head of Development, stressed the direct connection between peace and national prosperity. “If we want the country to grow, if we want our children to have a bright future, we need to continue to strive for peace; in our homes, our communities and our country,” she said, adding that initiatives like the Peace Museum are crucial for deepening understanding of peace.
Security agencies reiterated their support for the initiative. Ibrahim Turay, Research Officer at the Office of National Security, pointed out that peace and security remain the foundations of national development, calling for similar activities across the country. Lieutenant Colonel Simeon Beahai of RSLAF affirmed the military’s dedication to peace, highlighting its impact on both national stability and family life. “Peace is our primary focus because without it we cannot even spend time with our families. We also hope next time MPs and top Government officials will join us, because peace is everyone’s responsibility,” he remarked.
The Sierra Leone Police echoed this sentiment, with Superintendent Samuel Saio Conteh, Deputy Head of Community Relations, commending the coordination among stakeholders. “Today we have seen a masterpiece, a perfect coordination among all stakeholders working for peace. As a force, we believe in and stand for peace,” he said.
According to the ICPNC, the peace walk will be followed by a symposium on Monday at the Bintumani Conference Centre, where experts and stakeholders are expected to engage in panel discussions on peace and development in Sierra Leone.
