The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), in collaboration with its partners, will host a National Peace Walk across Sierra Leone on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This nationwide event forms part of activities marking the International Day of Peace, showing the Commission’s five-year commitment to promoting peacebuilding, reconciliation, and national cohesion. The exercise is scheduled to take place simultaneously across all 16 districts of the country, ensuring broad participation and a unified message of peace. The ICPNC has emphasized the importance of this event in fostering national unity and stability. The Commission stated, "On September 19, from Freetown to communities across all 16 districts, let Sierra Leone walk together," extending a widespread invitation to all citizens. This initiative notes the ICPNC's dedication to creating a peaceful and harmonious society through collective action and community engagement.
Freetown Walk Details
In Freetown, participants assembling for the National Peace Walk will converge at two distinct starting points, strategically chosen to accommodate residents from different parts of the capital. Individuals from the eastern part of the city are scheduled to gather at Up-Gun Roundabout on Kissy Road, with assembly slated for 8:00 a.m. This early start will allow for a smooth commencement of the walk. Concurrently, participants originating from the western area of Freetown will meet at Cotton Tree, with their assembly time set for 9:00 a.m. These separate assembly points are designed to facilitate easier access for a larger number of participants.
Following these initial gatherings, the Peace Walk and an accompanying float parade will proceed through various streets of the capital, creating a vibrant display of national solidarity and commitment to peace. The procession is expected to draw significant attention and participation as it moves through key areas of Freetown. The entire procession in Freetown is planned to conclude at Kallon Car Park, located at Lumley Beach, where the event will culminate with further activities and expressions of unity. This final destination provides a scenic and accessible location for the closing ceremonies, bringing together all participants from across the city.
Broader Call to Action
Families, friends, organizations, and communities are strongly encouraged to participate in the National Peace Walk, making it a truly inclusive and representative event. Organizers suggest attendees wear white T-shirts as a symbol of peace, visually reinforcing the event's core message and creating a unified appearance among participants. This symbolic gesture aims to highlight the shared aspiration for peace and reconciliation across the nation.
Members of the public seeking further information regarding the walk, including details on specific district-level activities or logistical arrangements, can contact the organizers directly via the provided numbers: +232 76 785115 or +232 70 484971. These contact points are available to answer any queries and provide necessary guidance to potential participants. Additionally, for any peace-related inquiries or concerns that may arise, a toll-free Peace Line remains available at 898, offering a readily accessible resource for citizens seeking support or information on peacebuilding initiatives.
Commission's Vision and Rallying Message
The National Peace Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, a date chosen to align with global peace observance. The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) confirmed the event will be held under the theme: "Invest in Peace and Unity: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day." This powerful theme shows the Commission's ongoing efforts to promote lasting stability and social harmony across the nation, emphasizing that peace is a continuous endeavor requiring consistent investment from all segments of society.
The ICPNC has called upon citizens to join the event, emphasizing its significance in fostering peace, unity, reconciliation, and national cohesion. The Commission's rallying message for the event is "Together in Peace, United as One," a concise yet impactful call for widespread participation from various segments of society. This initiative aligns with the ICPNC's broader mandate to build a more cohesive and peaceful Sierra Leone, reinforcing its commitment to a future where all citizens can thrive in an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation. The walk serves as a public demonstration of this collective commitment, encouraging dialogue and collaboration among communities nationwide.
