Sierra Leone launches peace exhibition at UN headquarters

To mark Sierra Leone’s mission as West African Representative and President of the United Nations Security Council during August 2024, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Rtd Brig. Julius Maada Bio, launched Sierra Leone’s peace exhibition at the United Nations in New York on Monday, August 12, 2024. The event was attended by Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mrs. Amina J. Mohamed.

The occasion featured goodwill messages from several dignitaries including Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, H.E. Alhaji Timothy Musa Kaba; Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed; ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai; Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations, Ambassador A. Nyamdorj; Registrar of the Special Court for Sierra Leone; and Director General of the International Campaign for Human Rights and Development.

Displayed throughout August 2024 in the United Nations building, this historic exhibition presents Sierra Leone’s journey towards peace, reconciliation, stability, and development. It highlights the resilience and unity of the people of Sierra Leone amidst internal challenges and their commitment to sustainable development.

The exhibition emphasizes international and regional cooperation for peace and security, particularly focusing on West Africa's capacity to address regional challenges. It underscores regional peace initiatives such as ECOWAS conflict prevention mechanisms that restored order in Sierra Leone through ECOMOG's intervention and its transition to UNOMSIL.

Additionally, it showcases key elements of Sierra Leone’s transitional justice process including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Special Court for Sierra Leone, and Monuments and Relics Commission. The collaboration between international partners and the government in building a peaceful and democratic Sierra Leone is highlighted as a model for maintaining global peace.

The event concluded with a reception hosted by H.E. Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations.