By Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called on Sierra Leoneans to reject tribalism and regional divisions, urging citizens to embrace national unity as the foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development.
Speaking at the 2026 Presidential Town Hall held at the Fatima Campus Auditorium University of Makeni on June 30, the President said administrative boundaries such as the North, South, East, and West exist solely to facilitate governance and public administration and should never be used to divide the people of Sierra Leone.
“We are a country made up of many different ethnic groups. Administrative boundaries should not divide us,” President Bio stated, stressing that Sierra Leone’s diversity should be viewed as a national strength rather than a source of division.
He said Sierra Leone is home to numerous ethnic groups all of whom share a common responsibility to build a united nation.
“At a personal level, I have shown that friendship and service are not bound by language or culture but by a shared call to serve,” he said.
President Bio emphasized that his administration remains committed to inclusivity, noting that governance should not be influenced by regional or ethnic considerations.
“My government is very inclusive. I believe I don’t need votes to make the effort to stitch the divide between us as a nation,” he told participants.
The President blamed persistent tribal and regional tensions on politicians who exploit ethnic identities for political advantage rather than offering practical solutions to improve the lives of citizens.
He argued that instead of campaigning on shared language or regional identity, political leaders should focus on policies that deliver quality healthcare, strengthen democratic governance, expand educational opportunities, and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
“We must break the boundaries of ethnicity, moving past these divisions from our individual homes all the way up to the highest political levels,” he urged.
The President challenged young people to reject tribalism and build friendships across ethnic, regional, and cultural lines, warning that allowing identity politics to flourish could undermine national cohesion and reverse the gains made since the end of the civil war.
He maintained that strengthening national unity begins within families and communities and must extend to every level of leadership if Sierra Leone is to continue building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.
The Presidential Town Hall formed part of the Government’s 2026 Civic Day Series, providing citizens with an opportunity to engage directly with President Bio on national development, governance, and public service delivery.
