President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has urged a comprehensive review and enhancement of the country's reparations programme for victims of the civil war, emphasizing that mere remembrance and apologies are insufficient for survivors. This appeal was made during the opening of the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference in Freetown on October 26. The conference aimed to address ongoing divisions stemming from the 1991-2002 civil war.
The President instructed the National Commission for Social Action and other relevant bodies to improve the reparation programme initially proposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). He stressed the state's responsibility to protect citizens whose rights were violated during the conflict, without intending to judge individuals or political parties. Bio acknowledged the state's role in failing to protect its citizens, stating, "As president, I accept responsibility on behalf of the state for the protection of those who have been denied."
The National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference, held from October 26-27, brought together government and opposition leaders to discuss ways to enhance peace and social cohesion. This follows a national unity pact signed in October 2023 between the government and the opposition All People’s Congress, which established a framework for political dialogue and electoral reform after contested elections. The conference aimed to promote dialogue and understanding among stakeholders.
President Bio proposed six steps to foster peace and national unity, including the creation of a national peace fund, greater dialogue among political parties, and a code of conduct for peaceful elections. These steps are intended to promote a culture of peace and unity, moving forward from the civil war. The President's call for enhanced reparations is part of a broader effort to address the legacy of the conflict.
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma also addressed the conference, encouraging Sierra Leoneans to use the opportunity to heal the divisions caused by the war. He emphasized that it is time for the country to focus on development, rather than continually addressing peace and unity. Koroma's remarks underscored the need for a shift in focus towards rebuilding and growth.
The civil war in Sierra Leone claimed tens of thousands of lives, with survivors bearing scars from widespread abuse, including amputations, sexual violence, and the recruitment of children into armed groups. More than two decades after the war ended, many survivors continue to seek proper compensation, healthcare, and rehabilitation. A UN-backed reparations programme began in 2008 but fell short of the support endorsed by the TRC.
Conference organisers have indicated that a report on the TRC's recommendations is expected by the end of 2026. President Bio's call for a review of the reparations programme raises questions about whether current arrangements adequately meet the needs of survivors. The implementation of the TRC's recommendations remains central to addressing the long-term effects of the conflict.
Key points
- President Julius Maada Bio urges review of Sierra Leone's reparations programme for civil war victims
- The programme aims to address the needs of survivors, who continue to seek compensation, healthcare, and rehabilitation
- A report on the TRC's recommendations is expected by the end of 2026
