The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with key religious leaders, has signed a National Communiqué reaffirming the country’s long-standing commitment to religious harmony, responsible leadership, and peaceful coexistence.
The communiqué follows a high-level national conversation convened by the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, bringing together religious leaders, law enforcement authorities, moral guarantors, and civil society representatives.
The document highlights Sierra Leone’s enduring tradition of tolerance and unity among Muslims, Christians, and people of other faiths, noting that interfaith harmony remains one of the nation’s greatest strengths. It further acknowledges the critical role religious leaders have played in preserving peace, especially during times of national difficulty.
Amid growing global tensions and the spread of misinformation, the communiqué stresses the need for renewed commitment to national cohesion, warning against actions that could undermine peace and stability.
The document outlined five key commitments aimed at strengthening unity across the country. These include the promotion of peace and national unity, zero tolerance for hate speech and incitement, responsible and non-partisan engagement by religious institutions, leadership accountability, and enhanced interfaith collaboration.
Under the “Zero Tolerance for Incitement” pillar, religious leaders pledged to reject all forms of hate speech and extremist rhetoric, emphasizing that religion must never be used as a tool for violence or division.
They also committed to ensuring that sermons, public statements, and digital communications promote respect, restraint, and lawful conduct.
The communiqué further calls for religious institutions to remain neutral in partisan politics while encouraging responsible civic participation among their followers.
Leaders also agreed to take responsibility for guiding their communities and working with authorities to prevent and de-escalate tensions.
On implementation, the document outlines shared responsibilities among religious institutions, government, and communities.
Religious bodies are expected to strengthen internal accountability and interfaith engagement, while the government will facilitate dialogue, support community structures, and expand civic education initiatives. Communities, in promote inclusive dialogue and participation in peacebuilding efforts.
In a strong call to action, religious leaders across the country are urged to endorse the communiqué as a demonstration of their commitment to national values and the outcomes of the engagement.
The declaration, signed by representatives of various religious institutions, reaffirms commitments to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, accountable leadership, and the rejection of hate, incitement, and extremism.
The communiqué concludes with a collective pledge to safeguard Sierra Leone’s unity and guide communities in the spirit of tolerance, dignity, and civic responsibility