By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
For the first time since the end of its decade-long civil war, Sierra Leone is set to formally honour foreign military personnel who played a decisive role in restoring peace to the country.
On Armed Forces Day, President Julius Maada Bio, Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, is expected to confer some of the nation’s highest decorations on selected foreign service members in recognition of their distinguished contribution during the war years.
The ceremony will take place at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Grounds in Wilberforce.
Among those to be honoured are military personnel from Kenya, Nigeria, the United States and Guinea — countries whose troops stood alongside Sierra Leonean forces during some of the most difficult chapters of the conflict. Their intervention and operational support were critical in stabilizing the country and helping to end hostilities.
Sierra Leonean service members who fought bravely alongside their foreign counterparts will also be recognized during the ceremony, underscoring the spirit of partnership and shared sacrifice that defined the effort to restore national sovereignty.
Two prestigious national honours will be awarded: the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel and the Commander of the Order of the Rokel — among the highest distinctions bestowed by the state.
The planned recognition marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey of remembrance and reconciliation. More than two decades after the guns fell silent, Sierra Leone continues to reflect on the sacrifices made by both citizens and international allies in the struggle for peace.
In recent years, President Bio declared and participated in national Remembrance Day commemorations, reinforcing the importance of honoring those who served and those who lost their lives. The decision to recognize foreign and local military personnel on Armed Forces Day builds on that commitment, extending the spirit of remembrance into formal state recognition.
As the country gathers to mark Armed Forces Day, this gesture signals a renewed acknowledgement of shared history — and a reaffirmation that the peace Sierra Leone enjoys today was secured through collective courage, sacrifice, and international solidarity.
