By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, has announced that the country will mark its first National Remembrance Day on Sunday, 18 January 2026, as a solemn national moment to honour victims and survivors of the civil war and recommit to peace, unity and democratic coexistence.
According to a Public Notice issued on Monday, National Remembrance Day is not a public holiday, meaning that Government offices, schools, markets and businesses will remain open across the country.
The Government said the day is set aside to reflect on the painful cost of conflict, remember those whose lives were lost and strengthen national determination to protect the peace Sierra Leone has built since the end of the war.
As part of the nationwide observance, His Excellency the President will deliver a national address to officially inaugurate National Remembrance Day. The President’s message is expected to honour victims and survivors of the conflict and renew the call for unity, peace and national cohesion.
The Government also announced that a two-minute traffic stop will be observed as part of the civic moment of remembrance.
A major feature of the day will be a National Moment of Silence at exactly 12:00 noon, during which all activities are expected to pause for two minutes.
The silence will be observed in schools, workplaces, markets (where feasible), places of worship, public gatherings and through radio and television broadcasts nationwide, reinforcing the shared national spirit of remembrance.
From 14 to 21 January 2026, citizens are encouraged to wear a white ribbon or a piece of white cloth as the official symbol of remembrance, peace and national cohesion.
The Ministry said this call applies to students, public servants, private sector workers, religious institutions and communities throughout Sierra Leone.
In addition, the Government is encouraging communities, schools and public spaces to create Memorial or Walls of Remembrance, featuring names of victims, messages of reflection and pledges for peace.
Suggested activities include candle lighting, flower laying, kola nut sacrifices and other acceptable cultural practices that promote healing and remembrance.
Community leaders are also encouraged to organize discussions, particularly involving young people, to help strengthen awareness about the consequences of war and the value of peace.
Mosques and churches have been encouraged to hold special prayers and reflections in support of peace and national reconciliation.
The Ministry further called on radio and television stations to air remembrance songs, documentaries and selected films on the civil war, alongside peacebuilding and reflective messages aimed at promoting national healing.
The Government is calling on all Sierra Leoneans to play their part by observing the silence at noon, wearing white cloth or ribbon, avoiding hate speech and political provocation and participating respectfully in community and religious activities.
The Public Notice described National Remembrance Day as a national reminder that peace is not automatic but must be protected through daily choices, responsible conduct and unity of purpose.
Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad have been urged to mark the day with dignity and responsibility under the theme of national commitment: “Never Again.”
