Sierra Leone marks first National Day of Remembrance in honour of victims of civil war
Sierra Leone Commemorates National Day of Remembrance
Sierra Leone Commemorates National Day of Remembrance
Sierra Leone observed its inaugural National Day of Remembrance on Sunday, honoring the victims of the decade-long civil conflict. The war resulted in approximately 120,000 fatalities and left many injured or mutilated before concluding on January 18, 2002.
President Julius Maada Bio addressed the nation, stating, "For the first time in our history, we gather on a single day to remember our civil war and the heavy price our country paid for peace."
Sierra Leone Commemorates National Day of Remembrance Sierra Leone observed its inaugural National Day of Remembrance on Sunday, honoring the victims of the decade-long civil conflict.
He further added, "From this day forward, January 18 belongs to every Sierra Leonean. To every victim and every survivor, I cannot ask you to forget. I ask only that, in your own time and in your own way, our nation may find the grace to heal fully, restore dignity, and move forward together."
The conflict is regarded as one of the most brutal in recent history, initiated in 1991 when hostilities extended from neighboring Liberia, leading to clashes between rebel fighters and Sierra Leone's armed forces.
In 2002, a United Nations tribunal charged 23 individuals with war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations of international law. Among those indicted was former Liberian president Charles Taylor, who received a 50-year prison sentence.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
