Sierra Leone’s Unity Declaration Raises Bigger Questions About Reparations and Inclusion

Sierra Leone has adopted the Freetown Declaration on National Unity and Social Cohesion 2026. The move renews the country’s commitment to peace, dialogue and national reconciliation. The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion organised a two-day conference at the Bintumani Conference Centre on 26 and 27 October. According to the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the event brought together political leaders, traditional and religious authorities, women, young people, persons with disabilities and civil society groups. They discussed how to turn past promises into action, including the 2023 Agreement for National Unity. President Julius Maada Bio also apologised to victims of the country’s civil war and called for stronger reparations, as TVC News reported.

However, the conference raised deeper questions about political inclusion and justice for victims. The National Unity and Reconciliation Party called for a more inclusive national agreement, stronger accountability and reparations for victims of national crises. The party claimed that more than 90 per cent of registered political parties did not take part in consultations on the 2023 agreement. This remains the party’s claim. Awoko Newspaper reported its proposals for a National Cohesion Compact and a reparations and solidarity fund. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also stressed that lasting peace requires fair treatment and equal opportunities. Meanwhile, Sierra Leonews reported plans for a National Peace and Cohesion Action Framework within 90 days. The government has also proposed an initial NLe25 million contribution to the Peace Basket Fund in the 2027 national budget.

For Sierra Leone, adopting the declaration is an important step. However, its success will depend on what happens next. The government and political parties must turn their promises into action. This means building trusted institutions, widening political participation and supporting communities affected by the civil war. UNOWAS has pledged to work with national and international partners to promote social cohesion, democratic governance and peace. Sierra Leone’s experience also carries a wider lesson for Africa. Reconciliation cannot rest on declarations alone. It requires justice for victims, public accountability and lasting efforts to rebuild trust.