The National Commission for Democracy (NCD) marked International Democracy Day (IDD) on 17th September 2026 at the Galliness Paradise Conference Hall in Bo City, under the theme “Political Tolerance and Peace Building: Reflection, One Year On.”
NCD Executive Chairman Madam Marian Angela Samu expressed her delight at celebrating this important day in Bo, Sierra Leone’s Southern Region. She noted significant advancements in the country’s democratic journey since 1996, enabling citizens to engage in consolidating democracy.
Last year, the NCD launched findings from its democratic research at a ceremony in Freetown. Madam Samu stated that the Commission plays a vital role in evaluating democracy’s state and urged participants to share their insights. With support from International IDEA and the European Union, the research on the State of Democracy was completed in 2025. She assured attendees that they would receive a copy of the report.
NCD Executive Secretary Mr. Joseph Sesay briefed attendees on why Bo was chosen as the venue for this year’s celebration and thanked guests for attending on short notice.
In a keynote address, Mr. Phillip Tetema Tondema, Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, highlighted the IDD celebration’s aim to foster trust between the government and citizens. He suggested that inclusive governance enhances democratic values and encourages broader participation across Sierra Leone.
The Deputy Minister described IDD as an annual global celebration led by the United Nations, focusing on dialogue and democratic principles. He reminded attendees that democracy is more than a political process; it involves a culture of participation, accountability, and respect for diversity.
He posed a thought-provoking question: what kind of nation do we wish to build? Will it be one for the few, or one that values every citizen’s voice? The future of Sierra Leone, he noted, will depend on collective actions taken today and in the future, asserting that history will judge leaders by the positive changes they effect and the legacies they leave. He concluded by urging everyone to strive for a nation rooted in unity, freedom, and justice.
