Sam-Sumana Recognizes Nigeria’s Sacrifice For Salone
By Abdul Rahman Bah
Former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Samuel Sam-Sumana, has praised Nigeria for its historic contribution to restoring peace in Sierra Leone, saying the sacrifices made by Nigerian military personnel and civilians during the country’s civil war must never be forgotten.
Sam-Sumana made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja when the leadership of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) paid him a courtesy visit. He used the engagement to reflect on the importance of regional solidarity, the media’s role in promoting accountability, and the lessons Sierra Leone must continue to draw from its painful conflict.
The former Vice President acknowledged Nigeria’s significant role in supporting Sierra Leone during the civil war, stressing that the intervention of Nigerian troops and other international partners contributed to the restoration of peace and stability.
He expressed profound gratitude to Nigeria and other countries that assisted Sierra Leone during one of the darkest periods in its history, noting that the lives lost in the struggle for peace should remain part of the nation’s collective memory.
For Sam-Sumana, Nigeria’s contribution goes beyond military intervention. He described the country as a big brother in West Africa, arguing that its political stability, economic strength and security have direct consequences for neighbouring countries.
“When Nigeria catches a cold, the rest of us sneeze,” he said, highlighting the close relationship between Nigeria and other West African states.
His remarks come against the background of Sierra Leone’s civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002 and devastated communities, displaced thousands of families and weakened national institutions. The conflict was closely connected to regional instability, particularly the war in neighbouring Liberia, while the struggle over diamond resources helped sustain the violence.
The experience remains a powerful reminder of the importance of regional cooperation, effective governance and strong institutions in preventing conflicts and protecting citizens.
Sam-Sumana also called for stronger cooperation between journalists and security institutions, describing the media as an essential partner in governance, national development and public accountability.
He warned against the tendency of political leaders to interpret critical reporting as an act of hostility, insisting that constructive criticism should be welcomed as a means of improving public institutions.
According to him, public officials should not fear fair and accurate reporting when journalists are acting in the public interest.
The former Vice President further emphasised that leadership requires humility, tolerance and resilience, noting that no individual possesses all the answers to the challenges facing society.
He urged journalists covering defence and national security to provide credible information, while maintaining professionalism and respecting the public interest.
His message also raises an important question for Sierra Leone: how can the country preserve the peace secured through enormous sacrifice, while strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that public officials remain accountable?
More than two decades after the civil war officially ended, the responsibility of safeguarding peace rests not only with the military and political leadership, but also with citizens, civil society and the media.
Sam-Sumana’s remarks therefore serve as a reminder that peace is not simply the absence of war. It requires responsible leadership, justice, accountability and sustained cooperation among West African nations.
