Koroma Stresses Need for Regular Engagement Between Former and Current Presidents
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has called for regular engagement with President Julius Maada Bio, saying sustained dialogue and mutual trust among national leaders are essential for peace and national development.
Koroma made the call on Tuesday, October 20, when a delegation from the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) visited him in Makeni to brief him ahead of the National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference scheduled for October 26–27 at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.
Describing the conference as a timely initiative, Koroma stressed that peacebuilding must be continuous, adding that dialogue among leaders with differing political views would demonstrate a shared commitment to national unity. Citing Nigeria as an example, he highlighted the importance of regular interactions among political leaders in building trust and public confidence.
He also recalled his relationship with the late former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, noting that former Vice President Solomon Berewa used to share advisory notes with him as an example of communication and mutual respect among leaders.
The delegation was led by ICPNC Executive Secretary Hawa Sally Samai and included Binta Mansaray, Registrar of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone; Foday Momoh Kanu, the Commission’s Regional Coordinator for the North; and Hawa Barrie, Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach.
During the visit, Mansaray and Samai emphasised that the conference should promote peace and social cohesion beyond political differences, with continued engagement among current and former national leaders.
Koroma confirmed his participation as a panelist at the conference. He was scheduled to travel to Ethiopia on Wednesday, October 21, to attend the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa before returning to Sierra Leone for the gathering.
Comments