Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio has announced that he will not seek another term in the 2028 presidential election.
The announcement reaffirms the head of state's commitment to upholding the Constitution, democratic alternation of power and a peaceful transfer of leadership.
"I will not be a candidate in the 2028 presidential election,” he declared on Monday in Freetown during the National Conference on Unity and Social Cohesion, according to local media reports.
Julius Maada Bio pledged to hand over power to the candidate elected by voters, making political stability and the strengthening of democratic institutions key priorities ahead of the upcoming election.
In the same spirit, the president announced several initiatives aimed at consolidating peace and strengthening national cohesion. Proposed measures include the creation of a national framework for peacebuilding and the establishment of a fund to support community-based peace initiatives.
The head of state also called for strengthening the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, regarded as an essential platform for consultation among the country's various political parties. The objective is to encourage dialogue and prevent tensions ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
As part of these efforts, Julius Maada Bio called for the adoption of an electoral code of conduct designed to ensure a peaceful election. Registered political parties would be encouraged to sign the code before the next presidential vote.
Beyond electoral issues, the Sierra Leonean president also addressed national remembrance and reconciliation. On behalf of the state, he issued an official apology to victims of the civil war, acknowledging the suffering endured by survivors, bereaved families and others affected by the conflict.
"On behalf of the State of Sierra Leone, I apologize for the suffering you endured and for the protection you did not receive,” he stated.
This initiative was accompanied by the announcement of new measures aimed at providing reparations, promoting national reconciliation and preventing future conflicts.
With two years remaining before the 2028 presidential election, Julius Maada Bio's commitments place the peaceful transfer of power, political dialogue and peacebuilding at the heart of his message.