By Davida Spaine- Solomon
Freetown, 18th January 2026- As Sierra Leone observed National Remembrance Day, the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) on Thursday evening led a candlelight vigil that brought young people together to reflect on the country’s violent past and renew a national commitment to peace.
The vigil, held under CGG’s Citizen Circle engagement, provided a platform for dialogue with the youth, many of whom did not directly experience the eleven-year civil war on the dangers of political violence and the importance of peaceful coexistence. Through shared reflections and moments of silence, participants were reminded that violence must never again be used as a tool for resolving political or social disputes.
CGG facilitators used the occasion to educate attendees about the roots and consequences of the conflict, emphasizing that remembrance is essential to building a stable and democratic future. The discussions encouraged young people to take ownership of the peace Sierra Leone enjoys today and to actively resist narratives that promote division, intolerance, or unrest.
The gathering also served as a moment to honour the sacrifices of thousands of Sierra Leoneans who lost their lives or suffered during the conflict, as well as those who worked tirelessly to restore peace. CGG’s role in documenting human rights violations during the war was highlighted, noting that these records contributed to the work of the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in holding accountable those who bore the greatest responsibility for war crimes.
As candles were lit in remembrance, the message resonated strongly among participants: remembering the past is not an act of mourning alone, but a call to action. For the young people present, the vigil reinforced the responsibility of their generation to protect the peace and ensure that the horrors of the past are never repeated.
