Koroma, Peace Commission Explore Collaboration on National Cohesion

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma and Sierra Leone’s Peace Commission have discussed areas of collaboration on preventive peacebuilding, early warning, dialogue, reconciliation and national cohesion following his return to the country.

The discussions took place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, when a Peace Commission delegation led by Board Chairman Rev. Shodankeh Johnson met with Koroma. The delegation included Executive Secretary Hawa Sally Samai, Director of Conflict Prevention Adikalie Sheku Kamara and Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach Hawa Barrie.

Koroma said he had returned to Sierra Leone as a retired President, not in any new official capacity, and intends to focus on peace, national cohesion and development. He stressed the need for peacebuilding to remain a priority even during periods of calm, urging the Commission to strengthen its early warning and preventive mechanisms rather than relying on a “fire brigade” approach to conflict.

He also disclosed plans to establish a foundation focused on peace, good governance and democracy, which he said could collaborate with the Peace Commission. Koroma further highlighted the potential role of former Heads of State in supporting national dialogue, mediation and peacebuilding.

The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Hawa Sally Samai, presented its Annual Report and outlined its shift from largely reactive conflict response to preventive peacebuilding. She highlighted the work of Peace Monitors, Peace Mediators, Paramount Chiefs, civil society organisations, district peace coalitions and the Commission’s 898 toll-free hotline as key early warning and response mechanisms.

Samai also outlined the Commission’s efforts to address the root causes of community conflicts, promote peace education in schools and universities, and assess the implementation of major peacebuilding commitments, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, Tripartite Committee recommendations, Agreement for National Unity and Lomé Peace Agreement.

As the Commission marks its fifth anniversary, Samai said it would continue drawing on the experience of respected national figures such as Koroma. She also briefed him on the planned Peace and National Cohesion Symposium in October.

The meeting ended with both sides expressing readiness to explore further collaboration aimed at preventing conflict, strengthening dialogue and promoting lasting national cohesion.