Freetown, Sierra Leone — January 13, 2026 Sierra Leone to Mark Historic National Remembrance Day. Sierra Leone is set to hold its first National Remembrance Day on Saturday, January 18, 2025, a solemn event dedicated to commemorating the victims and survivors of the country’s devastating decade-long civil war.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, which clarified that the day will not be a public holiday, with normal operations expected at government offices, schools, markets, and businesses.
The observance aims to serve as a national moment of remembrance, reflection, and peace, according to the government. It is intended to mark the human cost of the conflict and to reaffirm Sierra Leone’s commitment to unity, democratic coexistence, and national cohesion. President Julius Maada Bio is scheduled to deliver a national address to formally inaugurate the National Remembrance Day.
The speech is expected to pay tribute to the victims and survivors, and to call on citizens to recommit to peace.
A two — minute traffic stop will coincide with the presidential address as a civic moment of reflection. At precisely 12:00 noon, activities across the country are expected to pause for a two-minute moment of silence, observed in schools, workplaces, markets where feasible, places of worship, and public gatherings.
Radio and television stations nationwide will also participate in the observances.
In the lead — up to the day, from January 14 to 21, citizens are encouraged to wear a white ribbon or white cloth, symbolizing remembrance, peace, and national unity.
The initiative applies to students, public servants, private sector workers, religious institutions, and community groups across the country.
The government is also promoting the establishment of Walls of Remembrance in communities, schools, and public spaces, featuring the names of victims, messages of reflection, and pledges for peace. Activities may include candle-lighting, flower-laying, kola nut sacrifices, and other culturally appropriate practices. Sierra Leone’s civil war, which raged from 1991 to 2002, resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives and left profound social and psychological scars.
The introduction of a National Remembrance Day is seen as a means to ensure that the lessons of the conflict are not forgotten. Further details are expected to emerge as the event approaches.
