By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
Sierra Leone will on Saturday, 18 January 2025, observe its first-ever National Remembrance Day, a nationwide event dedicated to honouring victims and survivors of the country’s decade-long civil war.
In a public notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the government clarified that the day will not be a public holiday, with government offices, schools, markets and businesses expected to operate as normal. Authorities say the observance is intended as a national moment for remembrance, reflection and peace, marking the human cost of the conflict and reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to unity, democratic coexistence and national cohesion.
As part of the Programme, President Julius Maada Bio is expected to deliver a national address to formally inaugurate National Remembrance Day, pay tribute to victims and survivors, and call on citizens to recommit to peace.
A two-minute traffic stop will accompany the presidential address as part of a civic moment of reflection. At exactly 12:00 noon, activities across the country are expected to pause for a two-minute moment of silence, observed in schools, workplaces, markets where feasible, places of worship and public gatherings. Radio and television stations nationwide will also join observances.
In the lead-up to the day, from 14 to 21 January, citizens are encouraged to wear a white ribbon or white cloth, the official symbol of remembrance, peace and national unity. The initiative applies to students, public servants, private sector workers, religious institutions and community groups across the country.
The government is also encouraging communities, schools and public spaces to establish Walls of Remembrance, featuring the names of victims, messages of reflection and pledges for peace. Activities may include candle-lighting, flower-laying, kola nut sacrifices and other culturally appropriate practices. Sierra Leone’s civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002, claimed tens of thousands of lives and left deep social and psychological scars. Officials say the introduction of a National Remembrance Day is aimed at ensuring that the lessons of the conflict are not forgotten.
