Government Launches Bunce Island Restoration
The Government of Sierra Leone has launched a project to restore the historic Bunce Island Slave Fort, while advancing efforts to have the site considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. The project was officially launched by Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
It is funded entirely by the Government and implemented by the Monuments and Relics Commission (MRC). Located in the Sierra Leone River Estuary within Kamasondo Chiefdom, Port Loko District, Bunce Island is one of the country's most significant historical sites, associated with the transatlantic slave trade. The project aims to improve the structural integrity of the historic fort while preserving its historical authenticity and cultural significance.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Tunis said the initiative demonstrated the Government's commitment to protecting the island's historical importance. She noted that President Julius Maada Bio's visit to the site several months ago had further strengthened that commitment and helped pave the way for the conservation and restoration efforts.
The Minister also disclosed that her ministry had made progress in efforts to have Bunce Island considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. She said protecting the site was important for preserving Sierra Leone's history, strengthening national identity and promoting heritage tourism.
Resident Minister for the North-West Region, Ambassador Umaru Bun Wurie, said investment in the island should not be interpreted as glorifying the painful history associated with slavery. Instead, he described the project as an effort to preserve the memory of those affected and ensure that the lessons of slavery are not forgotten.
“We are ensuring that the voices of our ancestors are never silenced, that the lessons of slavery are never forgotten, and that Sierra Leone continues to play a central role in global healing and reconciliation,” he said. Wurie added that the project, funded by the Government and people of Sierra Leone, reflected President Bio's commitment to restoring, conserving and effectively managing the country's cultural heritage.
Other speakers included Deputy Chairman of Parliament's Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Abdul Karim Bangura; MRC Project Manager Francis Momoh; National Public Procurement Authority representative Martin Brima; and Pa Adekalie Sesay, representing the Paramount Chief of Kamasondo Chiefdom.
The ceremony was chaired by Emmanuel A.B. Turay, Head of Public Affairs and Communication. Pupils from King Fahad Islamic Junior Secondary School also delivered a presentation on the historical significance of Bunce Island.
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