By Albert P. Keifa
In a decisive move towards strengthening democracy and fostering national unity, President Julius Maada Bio, popularly known as “Talk and Do,” took the helm at the Special Presidential Meeting on the Constitutional Review Process held on Thursday 11th April 2024.
President Bio’s remarks echoed a profound understanding of Sierra Leone’s historical context, highlighting the roots of the Constitutional Review Process in the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement, and its subsequent endorsement by the nation’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) after the tumultuous civil war period of 2002.
As Sierra Leone approaches the pivotal conclusion of the 1991 Constitutional Review Process, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s steadfast commitment to a consultative and participatory approach. Emphasizing the core principles of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, he charged committee members with maintaining a non-partisan stance to ensure the representation of all Sierra Leoneans.
President Bio’s resolute call to action reflects a collective sense of duty and shared responsibility towards crafting a revised Constitution that truly embodies the aspirations and values of the Sierra Leonean people. Recognizing the dynamic nature of societal needs, he emphasized the importance of creating a flexible and responsive document capable of addressing the evolving challenges of the nation.
In his leadership, President Julius Maada Bio stands as a beacon of hope for Sierra Leone’s democratic future, where unity, inclusivity, and transparency are the cornerstones of progress. Through the Constitutional Review Process, he paves the way for a more equitable and prosperous society, where the voices of all citizens are not just heard, but actively shape the course of the nation’s destiny.