Monrovia – Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has referred to as for renewed regional unity, deeper democratic dedication, and everlasting vigilance in preserving peace.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Talking at Liberia’s 178th Independence Day celebration on the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, President Bio mirrored on his private function in Liberia’s civil struggle and celebrated the nation’s hard-won stability as a strong instance of resilience and transformation.
“I as soon as stood on this sacred soil in uniform—not in ceremony, however in service,” Bio stated, recalling his days as a younger navy officer deployed to Liberia with ECOMOG throughout the top of the civil struggle. “Even when the air was heavy and the nights unsure, I may sense the endurance of this nation.”
The Sierra Leonean chief stated returning to Liberia now as a visitor of a democratic and peaceable nation is not only a matter of protocol however a private journey of reflection and hope. “To return now, in peace, as a visitor of a sovereign and democratic Liberia, is a deeply private and humbling expertise. It affirms how far we’ve got come.”
President Bio praised Liberia’s transition from battle to democracy, highlighting successive peaceable elections and transitions of energy as main achievements. “Democracy can’t thrive with out peace, and peace can’t final the place democracy is hole,” he stated.
The theme of this 12 months’s Independence Day celebration — “One Individuals, One Future: Therapeutic the Previous, Constructing the Future” — resonated strongly in his speech. President Bio famous that therapeutic is just not on the spot and requires braveness, resolve, and a collective rejection of hatred and division. “Peace is just not merely the absence of battle. It’s the presence of dignity.”
Ties That Bind
President Bio emphasised the deep historic, cultural, and familial bonds between Sierra Leone and Liberia, calling the 2 nations “twin souls.” He reminded Liberians that their ache was additionally felt by Sierra Leoneans throughout the years of struggle, simply as their peace now strengthens Sierra Leone.
“Our rivers circulate into one another. Our languages echo each other. Our songs converse of shared joys and customary grief,” he stated. “When your land trembled below the load of struggle, we felt the tremors too.”
He additionally lauded Sierra Leonean troopers who served and died within the title of Liberian peace, stating that their sacrifices helped construct “a peaceable, democratic Liberia alive with promise.”
Name to Regional Motion
As present Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Authorities, President Bio urged West African nations to recommit to regional cooperation not solely in occasions of disaster, however in schooling, commerce, and improvement. He referred to as on leaders to remodel the Mano River Union from a bureaucratic idea right into a dwelling embodiment of solidarity.
“Our youth are crossing borders searching for alternative. Allow us to construct methods that permit them to take action safely, legally, and with dignity,” he stated.
He warned in opposition to letting elections change into arenas of hate and division, stating, “Normal elections should not wars. They’re sacred moments to resume our social contract.”
A Message to Liberia’s Youth
In a heartfelt message to Liberia’s youthful era, President Bio urged them to honor the sacrifices that earned their freedom. “To the youth of Liberia: know that your freedom was bought at nice price. Honour it in each alternative you make.”
He concluded with a strong reminder: “Peace is just not solely attainable — it’s highly effective.”
President Bio’s deal with drew widespread reward for its humility, private reflection, and daring imaginative and prescient for West Africa’s shared future. As Liberia marked its 178th 12 months of independence, observers say his message served as each a tribute to its painful previous and a name to safeguard the delicate however transformative energy of peace.
