For over a decade, from 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone was gripped by a brutal civil war that claimed approximately 50,000 lives and left a legacy of profound trauma. Communities were shattered, thousands suffered amputations, and an estimated 20,000 children were born as a result of rape, with girls as young as 12 forced into sexual slavery. For 24 years, the nation grappled with this painful history without a formal day of national mourning. This changed in January 2026 when President Julius Maada Bio declared January 18—the date the war was officially declared over in 2002—as Sierra Leone’s National Day of Remembrance.

Alongside this official act of state-led remembrance, a powerful, grassroots call for forgiveness has emerged, championed in part by the nation’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio. This article explores Sierra Leone’s complex journey toward healing, where the solemn duty to “never forget” walks hand-in-hand with the courageous choice to forgive.

The First Lady’s Advocacy: From Personal Story to National Mission

First Lady Fatima Maada Bio brings a deeply personal perspective to the cause of healing and protection. A former award-winning actress and screenwriter, she has leveraged her platform to advocate for those most vulnerable in the aftermath of conflict.

Her flagship initiative, the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, began with a historic protest march in Freetown in December 2018, uniting First Ladies from across Africa. This movement was instrumental in pushing for a National Emergency on Rape and Sexual Violence in February 2019 and the subsequent revision of the country’s sexual offences act. Her advocacy extends globally, having taken the campaign to the United Nations, where she and the President have called for concrete international action to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and their children.

Her work is driven by her own narrow escape from child marriage and a commitment to philanthropy that began at age 16. As a UNESCO Champion for the Education of Women and Girls and the African Union Champion for Sanitation and Hygiene, her focus on empowerment is a direct response to the vulnerabilities exposed and exacerbated by war.

The Official Act of Remembrance: “Never Again“

President Julius Maada Bio’s declaration of the National Day of Remembrance was a landmark moment. In a solemn address, he framed the day as a “collective responsibility” to protect peace, stating unequivocally, “We declare, with one voice: Never Again”.

He acknowledged that the war was a tragedy that “destroyed without discrimination,” affecting his own family in Bonthe District and countless others. The day is designed not just for emotion but for commitment, involving:

· A Week of Remembrance with civic education and interfaith prayers.

· A national minute of silence for the lives lost.

· A call for families to speak honestly with younger generations about the war.

The President emphasized that national unity cannot be rebuilt without forgiveness, while acknowledging that healing happens on a personal timeline for victims and survivors.

The Complicated Road to Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The call for forgiveness in Sierra Leone is often tied to another date: March 23, the day the civil war began in 1991. On this day, many citizens, led by social and religious voices, engage in reflection. The guiding principle for many comes from the post-war Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC): “forgive but not forget”.

This path is fraught with challenges. An Amnesty International report details the long-term mental health impacts of the combined trauma of war and later health crises like Ebola, noting that mental health services are critically under-resourced to meet the population’s needs. True reconciliation requires more than symbolic days; it requires sustained support for survivors.

Key Challenges in the Reconciliation Process:

· Unaddressed Trauma: Widespread psychological wounds with insufficient mental health services.

· Justice for Survivors: Ongoing need for justice and support for victims of sexual violence.

· Economic Disparities: Healing is difficult amid poverty and inequality.

· Intergenerational Memory: Passing on the lessons of history to youth who did not witness the war.

The Way Forward: Building a Legacy of Peace

Sierra Leone’s journey teaches that remembrance and forgiveness are not endpoints but ongoing processes. The establishment of an official Remembrance Day provides a framework for national mourning, while the cultural and spiritual call to forgiveness, championed by figures like the First Lady, seeks to mend the social fabric.

The nation’s efforts highlight a crucial Pan-African lesson: healing from conflict requires a multi-faceted approach. It combines official policy, grassroots advocacy, mental health support, and a courageous communal conversation about the past. As Sierra Leone continues to honor its painful history while striving for a unified future, it offers a powerful narrative for a continent seeking to overcome the shadows of its own conflicts.