“Bio Should Visit Me in Makeni, I’ll Visit Him in Tihun” — Former President Koroma’s Bold Peace Appeal
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has challenged President Julius Maada Bio to turn Sierra Leone’s renewed peace dialogue into meaningful action, proposing reciprocal visits to their respective residences as a powerful symbol of reconciliation, mutual trust and national unity.
Koroma made the proposal on Monday, 26 October 2026, during the national peace conference at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, where he commended President Bio for initiating the dialogue aimed at strengthening peace and political cooperation in the country.
In a striking appeal, the former President urged both leaders to move beyond public declarations of peace and demonstrate their commitment through personal engagement and gestures of friendship.
Koroma said he should feel free to visit President Bio at his residence in Tihun, while the President should equally feel welcome to visit him in Makeni, even over the weekend.
The proposal underscored Koroma’s belief that genuine reconciliation requires political leaders to break down barriers, build personal trust and demonstrate mutual respect beyond their differences.
He stressed that the peace Sierra Leoneans desire cannot be achieved through speeches alone but must be reflected in the conduct, relationships and decisions of the country’s political leaders.
The former President also called on Sierra Leoneans to reduce political tensions, acknowledge past mistakes and embrace constructive dialogue as essential steps towards lasting peace and national stability.
Koroma warned, in effect, that preserving peace should not be left to political leaders alone, urging citizens from all walks of life to take collective responsibility for ensuring that the country remains united.
“Let us continue this dialogue and make sure that we hand over a Sierra Leone to our children that is free,” Koroma urged.
His remarks added a significant dimension to the peace conference, placing practical reconciliation and personal trust between the country’s two political leaders at the heart of the national conversation.
As Sierra Leone looks towards the 2028 elections, Koroma’s proposal presents a compelling challenge to the political leadership: Can personal friendship and mutual respect between former and current presidents help bridge the country’s deep political divisions and secure a more peaceful future?
