By Ibrahim Sesay
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) on Sunday officially opened its Third Annual Strategic Retreat in Kono District, gathering Board members, Management, staff, traditional leaders and national partners to review progress and refine strategies for sustaining peace across Sierra Leone. The retreat is being held under the theme: “Our Pathway to Peace 2030.”
The ceremony commenced with interfaith prayers led by Francis Patterson and Foday Momoh Kanu, symbolizing unity and shared commitment among Christian and Muslim communities. Paramount Chief Fasuluku Sonsiama III, who also serves as an ICPNC Board Member, welcomed participants to Kono, describing the district as a land of hospitality and urging active engagement throughout the retreat.
A peace-themed musical performance by Francis Patterson added a reflective and uplifting note to the day’s proceedings.
Delivering the declaration of purpose, Executive Secretary Madam Hawa Sally Samai highlighted the retreat’s significance in consolidating the Commission’s achievements and addressing challenges that affect national harmony. She reaffirmed ICPNC’s commitment to building a peaceful and cohesive Sierra Leone, urging participants to approach the sessions with professionalism, collaboration and a sense of duty.
Madam Samai emphasized that the theme :“Our Pathway to Peace 2030” should serve as a guiding framework for the Commission’s long-term strategy, noting that members of the Commission are “architects of the peace pathway whose work will influence future generations.”
The retreat’s first panel discussion, moderated by Board Member Ms. Valnora Edwin, focused on consolidating peace and national unity. Panelists included Aruna Lumeh of Fourah Bay College, Joseph Ben Kaifala of the Relics and Monuments Commission, and Dr. Mamoud Tarawally of International IDEA. Discussions centred on the six pillars of ICPNC’s 2021–2024 Strategic Plan, the importance of peace education, the revival of national values and the institutionalization of a national remembrance day to reflect on the civil war’s lessons.
Dr. Tarawally underscored that peace and governance are inseparable, stressing the need for equitable distribution of state resources and institutional independence to maintain public trust. Ms. Edwin, in her concluding remarks, cautioned against tribalism and urged citizens to adopt responsible communication as a tool for unity.
The second panel, moderated by Madam Samai, explored the Commission’s legal mandate and responsibilities. Lyton Olubunmi Rolcolt Denis Jones, Parliamentary Counsel in the Office of the Solicitor-General, explained that the ICPNC derives its authority from the 1991 Constitution and the ICPNC Act of 2021, which empowers it to prevent and resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation and investigate grievances with powers akin to those of the High Court.
Furay Musa, Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit, acknowledged the Commission’s advisory role to the President and its contribution to governance reforms designed to consolidate peace and strengthen national cohesion.
Day One concluded with an interactive session marked by rich exchanges of ideas from participants. The retreat continues in Kono as the Commission works toward developing a strategic roadmap for peace and unity leading up to 2030.
