Politics Is Not A ‘Do Or Die’ Affair
By Abdul Rahman Bah
Sierra Leone’s civil war remains one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history, leaving thousands of people dead, families separated, communities destroyed and generations traumatised. Although the war officially ended in January 2002, its painful consequences remain a powerful reminder of why Sierra Leoneans must protect peace, strengthen democracy and reject anything that threatens national unity.
Our national motto, “Unity, Freedom and Justice,” carries a powerful message that must guide every citizen and political leader. These three principles should not merely appear on official documents or be repeated during national celebrations; they must be reflected in how we govern, treat one another and resolve our differences. Without unity, our country risks division. Without freedom, citizens cannot express themselves without fear. Without justice, grievances can grow into resentment and threaten the peace we have worked so hard to achieve.
The conflict began on 23 March 1991 and lasted for more than a decade. It devastated communities across the country, destroyed homes and public infrastructure, disrupted education and healthcare, and forced many people to flee their communities. The war also undermined economic activity, leaving families without livelihoods and exposing vulnerable people to extreme hardship.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established after the conflict, investigated the causes and consequences of the war. Its findings identified poor governance, corruption, social exclusion, the denial of basic rights and the failure of successive governments to address citizens’ grievances as important factors that contributed to the conflict. These findings remain relevant today, because peace requires more than the absence of fighting; it requires institutions that serve citizens fairly and responsibly.
One of the most devastating aspects of the war was the suffering inflicted on innocent civilians. Men, women and children experienced killings, displacement, abductions, torture and sexual violence. Children were recruited into armed groups, while many others lost their parents, missed years of schooling and grew up without the security every child deserves. Survivors continue to live with physical disabilities, emotional trauma and the loss of loved ones.
The destruction also affected Sierra Leone’s economy. Agricultural production was disrupted, businesses collapsed, roads and bridges were damaged, and access to essential services became difficult in many communities. Rebuilding the country required enormous efforts from the government, local communities and international partners. Yet the human cost of the conflict can never be measured solely through destroyed buildings or financial losses.
More than two decades after the war ended, Sierra Leone must ensure that its painful history is neither forgotten nor exploited for political advantage. Political leaders have a responsibility to address disagreements through dialogue, respect constitutional processes and discourage language that promotes hatred or division. Political competition should never become a reason for citizens to threaten one another or undermine national stability.
The lessons of the war also demand accountability and inclusive governance. When citizens feel excluded, corruption goes unchallenged and grievances are ignored, public confidence in institutions can weaken. Government institutions must therefore promote justice, transparency, equal opportunities and meaningful participation. Opposition parties and civil society organisations also have an important role in holding leaders accountable through peaceful and lawful means.
Young people must be educated about the conflict and its consequences. Schools, journalists, religious leaders and community organisations should create opportunities for honest discussions about the past, helping younger generations understand the dangers of intolerance, political manipulation and violence.
Sierra Leone must never return to war. Our motto, “Unity, Freedom and Justice,” must become a living commitment shared by all Sierra Leoneans. We have already paid too high a price in lives lost, families broken and opportunities destroyed. Protecting peace is everyone’s responsibility. Whatever our political, ethnic, regional or social differences, our common humanity and the future of our country must come first. No political ambition is worth sacrificing another generation to the horrors of war.
