Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma met with a delegation from the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) on 20 October 2026. The discussion centered on the upcoming National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference, which is scheduled to take place on 26 and 27 October 2026. This gathering will be held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma expressed his support for the event during the meeting with the commission representatives. The conference aims to address national reconciliation efforts within Sierra Leone. Officials from the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion confirmed that preparations for the two-day summit at the Bintumani Conference Centre remain on track.
The National Unity and Social Cohesion Conference is scheduled to take place on October 26 and 27, 2026, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown. The commission has been working diligently to ensure that all logistical arrangements are finalized before the commencement of the proceedings. The venue, located in Freetown, is preparing to host a wide range of stakeholders who are expected to participate in the discussions focused on the future of social cohesion in the nation.
Delegation Meets Former President
Executive Secretary Hawa Sally Samai led the delegation from the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion. The ICPNC delegation was led by Executive Secretary Hawa Sally Samai and included Registrar of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone Binta Mansaray. Binta Mansaray, the Registrar of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, also participated in the meeting. During the session, Hawa Sally Samai stated, "We do not want to see unity only at the conference." She further remarked, "We want to see the President, former Presidents and former Vice Presidents sitting together to discuss peace and social cohesion for the country, visiting each other’s hometowns and attending formal and informal events together. That is how we consolidate peace."
The inclusion of high-level representatives, such as the Registrar of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, notes the collaborative nature of the peace-building process. The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion has emphasized that the involvement of various state institutions and former leaders is essential for the success of the upcoming summit. By bringing together figures from different sectors of society, the commission hopes to foster a more inclusive dialogue.
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma is expected to participate in the upcoming conference as a panelist. Regarding the necessity of such engagement, he said, "Leadership matters." His participation is seen as a significant step in the broader efforts to promote national harmony. The commission continues to engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the objectives of the conference are met and that the dialogue remains focused on long-term stability and national progress for all citizens of Sierra Leone.
