The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) hosted a national unity and social cohesion conference in Freetown from October 26-27, 2026. The conference brought together President Julius Maada Bio and former leader Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, who expressed their commitment to peace and national cohesion in Sierra Leone. The theme of the conference, "From Commitment to Action: Rebuilding Trust, Strengthening National Unity and Advancing Social Cohesion," reflected the leaders' desire for peace, collaboration, and unity.
Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, who returned to Sierra Leone from Nigeria, indicated a willingness to work with President Bio, a development that has been lacking since President Bio took office in 2018. Koroma's intention to support President Bio's leadership was seen as a positive step towards national cohesion. The two leaders' wives also spent time together, with Her Excellency Fatima Bio visiting Makeni, showing a personal commitment to unity.
President Bio assured the nation that he would peacefully hand over power in 2028, after completing his second and final term in office. He has no intention of running for presidency, but his presence and influence are crucial for his party, the SLPP, to maintain power. The SLPP will present a new face for the 2028 presidential race after its convention, but President Bio can still campaign for a successor.
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma is an influential personality with significant interest in his party, the APC, regaining power in 2028. Any presidential aspirant seeking to lead the APC would need Koroma's backing and support. With two consecutive terms under his belt, Koroma has the strategy, formula, and connections to boost his party's presidential ambition.
The 2028 election is expected to be a tough battle, with both the SLPP and APC vying for power. The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion was established after the 2018 general election to address electoral disputes. The Tripartite agreement has several recommendations that the government is working to implement to avoid further disputes.
The level of desperation and denial of the SLPP's 2023 victory by the APC raises questions about how the 2028 election will play out. How both leaders manage their political interests during and after the 2028 elections will determine the genuineness of their peace pledge. It is essential for leaders to draft peace messages alongside their campaign trails to de-escalate tensions ahead of the election.
The national peace talks between President Bio and Ernest Koroma are a significant step towards national cohesion, but their commitment will be tested in the 2028 elections. The leaders' ability to manage their political interests and promote peace will be crucial in determining the success of their pledge. The outcome will have a lasting impact on Sierra Leone's politics and stability.
Key points
- The 2028 election will be a crucial test of President Bio and Ernest Koroma's commitment to peace and national cohesion.
- The SLPP and APC will likely engage in a tough battle for power in the 2028 election.
- The leaders' ability to manage their political interests and promote peace will determine the success of their pledge.
