By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Kailahun, 20th January 2026- In a bid to commemorate the National Remembrance and Healing Day, the We Duti organization also known as “wi lappa movument” held a memorial and candlelight at the Kailahun Court House and clock tower in the Kailahun District on the 18th of January 2026. The aim of the events was to honour and remember the lives lost in the Sierra Leonean civil war.
CEO of the organization, Zainab sheriff said that the reason for these gestures was to honour victims and heroes who died in the war. “We came here today because the war began in Kailahun district, and we are here to honour the lives lost in the war. We believe that we will learn from what happened and say never again,” she said.
She said that this is Sierra Leone’s first National Remembrance Day, and Kailahun was intentionally chosen by the organization because it is where the war started. “We intentionally choose Kailahun because the war started here and being here makes me reflect and remember,” she said.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Alpha Sesay, who was present at the memorial, commended the organization for their initiative to commemorate the day and honour lost souls and emphasized the need for remembrance, reflection and commemoration. “I’m happy for this initiative and I extend the government’s gratitude to everyone present for making this happen,” he said. “We should remember and learn from the trauma and value peace so Sierra Leone can be a better place,” he said.
Chairman of the We Duti organization said that he is happy that the country has a Memorial Day because the organization has been advocating for a National Remembrance Day. “I’m happy and grateful to the government for this declaration, and our organization has been advocating for this. We are here to honour victims and commemorate this day,” he said.
Town chief, Chief Alpha Ndoleh of Kailahun District, says that he’s happy for We Duti’s initiative to have a memorial, given the experience he had in the civil war. “I’m grateful and happy for We Duti’s initiative and honouring the lives lost in the war is a civic responsibility,” he said.
Youth leader, Baimba Sallia, who was speaking on behalf of young people, commended the memorial gathering citing that this step will create a sense of reflection for young people. “This move will definitely make young people reflect and think about their actions,” he said.
Zainab urged everyone present to consider peace invaluable to development and livelihood.
