By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 16th July, 2026 – Sierra Leone’s Presidential Spokesman, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Alpha Kanu, has called on Sierra Leoneans to embrace unity, justice, mercy and national reconciliation, urging citizens to safeguard the democratic values that have shaped the nation’s history.
Dr. Kanu made the appeal during the Special ECOWAS Edition of the Government’s Weekly Press Conference, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), on 14th July, 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.
Addressing journalists, civil society representatives and members of the public, Kanu said Sierra Leone’s democratic journey should inspire a renewed commitment to peace, constitutional governance and national unity.
Emphasising the importance of forgiveness alongside justice, Dr. Kanu urged Sierra Leoneans to foster a culture of compassion and reconciliation.
Drawing from the Holy Qur’an, the Holy Bible, literature and African tradition, he argued that lasting peace could only be achieved when justice is accompanied by mercy, citing verses from Surah Fussilat (41:34) and Matthew 5:7 and 5:9, as well as Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, which describes mercy as “twice blessed.” He also referenced the Temne proverb, “When angered, swallow the blood and spit the saliva,” as a reminder of the virtues of restraint and forgiveness.
As Sierra Leone welcomes leaders from across the West African sub-region, Dr. Kanu called on citizens to uphold peace, democracy and national cohesion, stressing that reconciliation remains essential to strengthening the Republic.
“Justice built our Republic. Mercy can strengthen it. And unity will secure it for generations yet unborn,” he said.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s history, Dr. Kanu described some of the country’s most celebrated leaders as individuals who emerged at defining moments to guide the nation through periods of significant change. He paid tribute to Bai Farma Tami, Bai Adam Pothokis, King Naimbana and Bai Bureh, praising their contributions to national unity, diplomacy, sovereignty and resistance against colonial rule.
Turning to contemporary leadership, Dr. Kanu highlighted President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s role during the country’s civil war, recalling that as Head of State in 1996, he initiated dialogue with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), including its leader Foday Sankoh, as part of efforts to restore peace in the country. He also noted that President Bio supervised democratic elections and voluntarily handed over power to a civilian administration after serving for three months, describing the decision as a landmark moment in Sierra Leone’s democratic history.
According to Dr. Kanu, President Bio’s leadership continues to reflect a commitment to constitutional governance, peace and national reconciliation.
His remarks set the tone for the Special Edition Weekly Government Press Conference, one of several public engagement activities organised by MoICE ahead of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit to promote transparency, national dialogue and citizen participation while highlighting Sierra Leone’s readiness to host the regional gathering.
