Sierra Leone’s commitment to peacebuilding, national cohesion and regional cooperation has received renewed attention as senior government officials and national leaders converged during activities marking the ongoing ECOWAS Summit hosted in the country.
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has highlighted the importance of unity, dialogue and reconciliation as key drivers of stability and sustainable development, noting that peaceful societies create the foundation for economic growth, stronger institutions and improved livelihoods.
On Sunday, July 19, 2026, Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, former President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, and the Executive Secretary of the ICPNC, Madam Hawa Sally Samai, held discussions on the margins of the ECOWAS Summit, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting peace, national unity and cooperation.
The engagement was described by the Commission as a demonstration of the importance of collaboration among national leaders in advancing reconciliation efforts and strengthening Sierra Leone’s peace architecture.
The ICPNC stated that Sierra Leone’s participation in the ECOWAS Summit provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s progress in promoting inclusive governance, peaceful dialogue and regional solidarity.
The Commission emphasized that peace remains central to achieving national development goals, explaining that sustainable progress in areas such as education, healthcare, employment creation and investment depends on a stable and peaceful environment.
The meeting followed a series of high-level engagements during the ECOWAS Summit activities, including the official commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi on Saturday, July 18.
Delivering the welcome address at the ceremony, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the new conference centre as a reflection of Sierra Leone’s growing role in regional and international affairs.
“The Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre is a symbol of Sierra Leone’s definitive voice in shaping global dialogue. We are today a hub for promulgating African stories, and the first story we told as we kicked off the 69th ECOWAS Summit is one of Sierra Leone’s exceptional regional leadership and innovation,” he stated.
The ICPNC noted that the country’s hosting of the ECOWAS Summit demonstrates Sierra Leone’s ability to contribute to regional peace, security and integration efforts.
According to the Commission, its mandate continues to focus on strengthening peacebuilding initiatives, promoting tolerance, supporting reconciliation and fostering national cohesion across Sierra Leone.
The Commission further reaffirmed that as West African countries work together to address shared challenges and promote collective prosperity, Sierra Leone remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at building a peaceful, secure and united region.
It concluded that lasting peace is not only essential for national transformation but also remains a critical requirement for sustainable development and stability across West Africa.