President Julius Maada Bio has urged a review and enhancement of Sierra Leone’s reparations programme for victims of the civil war, asserting that mere remembrance and apologies are inadequate for survivors. His appeal came during the opening of the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference in Freetown on Monday, October 26.
Bio instructed the National Commission for Social Action and other relevant bodies to improve the reparation programme initially proposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). “Remembrance or apology is not what they need,” he stated.
He also addressed the state’s duty to protect citizens whose rights were violated during the conflict, emphasising that he was not there to judge individuals or political parties but to acknowledge the state’s responsibility. “As president, I accept responsibility on behalf of the state for the protection of those who have been denied,” he said.
The conference, held from October 26-27, brought together government and opposition leaders to discuss the ongoing divisions stemming from the civil war of 1991-2002. Topics included enhancing peace and social cohesion, following a national unity pact signed in October 2023 between the government and the opposition All People’s Congress, which established a framework for political dialogue and electoral reform after contested elections.
Bio proposed six steps to foster peace and national unity, including the creation of a national peace fund, greater dialogue among political parties, and a code of conduct for peaceful elections.
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma also encouraged Sierra Leoneans to use the conference as a chance to heal the divisions caused by the war. “It’s time for us to take advantage of this opportunity; now is a great time to heal our wounds and grow,” he remarked. He underscored that the focus should have shifted to development long ago, rather than continually addressing peace and unity.
The civil war claimed tens of thousands of lives, with survivors bearing scars from widespread abuse, including amputations, sexual violence, and the recruitment of children into armed groups. More than two decades after the war ended, many survivors continue to seek proper compensation, healthcare, and rehabilitation. Although a UN-backed reparations programme began in 2008, it fell short of the support endorsed by the TRC.
As discussions continue, the implementation of the TRC’s recommendations remains central to addressing the long-term effects of the conflict. Conference organisers have indicated that a report on these recommendations is expected by the end of 2026. Bio’s call raises the crucial question of whether current arrangements adequately meet the needs of survivors.
