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Former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah's Fan Base, Clinton, MD (2025)

12/09/2024

R.I.P. Steady Bongo May your music continue to inspire and uplift us all

12/09/2024

R.I.P. Lansana Sheriff (Steady Bongo) Your beats may have stopped, but your legacy lives on. RIP 🪦

11/27/2024

Foiled Again: Second Coup Attempt Against President Bio Fails

10/09/2024

"Peace is the only way forward."

In his July 7, 1999, speech, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah delivered a simple but powerful truth: "Peace is the only way forward." This statement was a clear and uncompromising expression of his belief that after years of devastating civil war, Sierra Leone had no other viable path than peace. Kabbah's choice of words reflected a commitment to ending the violence and moving the country toward reconciliation and progress.

This declaration came at a time when Sierra Leone was emerging from an era of brutality, with a populace that had experienced deep suffering. The civil war had torn the nation apart, with widespread violence, displacement, and the destruction of communities. By stating that peace was "the only way forward," Kabbah made it clear that returning to conflict was not an option. He sought to unify the people around the shared goal of rebuilding the nation and healing from the trauma of war. It was a message meant to inspire the war-weary nation to embrace diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation instead of reverting to violence.

Kabbah’s statement also underscored his personal conviction that peace was not just a distant ideal but a tangible, achievable goal. He believed that peace could bring stability, security, and development—things that Sierra Leone desperately needed. By framing peace as the "only" way forward, Kabbah wanted to close the door on war and civil strife, redirecting the nation’s energy toward constructive efforts like rebuilding infrastructure, reviving the economy, and fostering national unity.

In a broader sense, Kabbah’s words were also directed toward the international community, rebels, and all political factions in Sierra Leone. It was a call for a collective commitment to peaceful solutions, emphasizing that without peace, progress and prosperity would remain elusive. Kabbah’s leadership in advocating for peace highlighted the importance of prioritizing dialogue and reconciliation, even when tensions remained high. His steadfast focus on peace set the tone for the nation’s recovery and sent a message that Sierra Leone would not tolerate further violence or instability.

By declaring peace as the only way forward, Kabbah reinforced the idea that the country’s future was dependent on collaboration, compromise, and a shared vision of a peaceful and unified Sierra Leone. His message was a reminder that the future of the nation was in the hands of its people, and peace was the key to unlocking its potential.

10/09/2024

"The pain of the war cannot be erased, but we can build a brighter future."

In his July 7, 1999, speech, President Kabbah made a poignant acknowledgment of the lasting trauma caused by Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war. By stating that the "pain of the war cannot be erased," Kabbah showed a deep understanding of the emotional and physical scars left on the nation. Many had lost loved ones, homes, and limbs, and the collective suffering could not simply be forgotten. However, Kabbah’s statement was also filled with hope and determination, as he shifted the focus from the past to the possibility of a brighter, more peaceful future.

Kabbah’s message was clear: while the war had caused irreparable damage, it did not define Sierra Leone's destiny. His call to "build a brighter future" was a rallying cry for the country to come together in the spirit of unity and resilience. It was a reminder that though the wounds of war would remain, they should serve as motivation for reconstruction and progress. Kabbah wanted Sierra Leoneans to channel their pain into action, working collectively to ensure that the country could rise from the ashes of its past and create a future of peace, stability, and development.

The statement also reflected Kabbah's belief in the power of hope and renewal. He understood that healing from the war would be a slow process, but he emphasized that rebuilding was possible if everyone contributed to the effort. By focusing on the future, Kabbah encouraged Sierra Leoneans to take control of their destiny, learning from the past but not being defined by it. His words served as both a message of consolation for the suffering endured and a call to action to move forward with optimism and resolve.

Kabbah’s forward-looking vision was an appeal to all generations, urging them to invest in education, infrastructure, and peacebuilding initiatives that would secure a better life for future Sierra Leoneans. He recognized that though the past had been dark, the future held promise, and it was up to the people to seize that opportunity and make the country stronger.

Kabbah

10/07/2024

"We are now entering a new era of peace and development."

In his July 7, 1999 speech, President Kabbah’s statement marked a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s history, signaling the transition from a war-torn past to a future focused on rebuilding and growth. This declaration highlighted the country’s shift from conflict to reconstruction, where the focus would no longer be on survival, but on nurturing a peaceful and prosperous society. By stating that Sierra Leone was entering a "new era," Kabbah aimed to inspire the people to look forward with optimism, encouraging national unity and collective effort toward development.

Kabbah's words underscored the belief that peace and development were intrinsically linked. He emphasized that the hard-won peace was the foundation for future progress, and it would be through this peace that the country could move forward, building infrastructure, restoring governance, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. His vision was one of hope—where the scars of war could begin to heal, and Sierra Leone could once again stand proud as a nation on the path to growth and prosperity.

Kabbah’s optimism was not just rhetoric but a call to action for all Sierra Leoneans to work together to rebuild their country. His message reinforced the idea that peace was not the end goal but the starting point for a new chapter of national progress, where development could only be achieved through unity and sustained effort.

09/28/2024

“Never again shall we resort to violence to settle matters of political importance.”

In his July 7, 1999 speech, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah made a powerful declaration that violence would no longer be the answer to political conflict in Sierra Leone. This statement was a firm rejection of the brutal tactics that had led to the country's devastating civil war, emphasizing the need for diplomacy, dialogue, and democratic processes moving forward. Kabbah’s words carried immense weight, given the years of violence that had ravaged the nation and the fresh hope brought by the Lome Peace Accord.

The civil war had left deep scars, with countless lives lost, families destroyed, and infrastructure ruined. By vowing that violence would no longer be a means to resolve political disputes, Kabbah sent a clear message to all factions: Sierra Leone had to move forward differently. His speech underlined the importance of finding peaceful solutions and avoiding the kinds of political grievances that had led to a decade of bloodshed.

This declaration was not just a commitment to peace, but a pledge to future generations. Kabbah aimed to break the cycle of violence that had plagued the country, ensuring that political disagreements would be handled through institutions, not with weapons. His promise was a crucial part of the reconciliation process, as it reassured the public that the mistakes of the past would not be repeated.

In making this vow, Kabbah sought to build a new foundation for Sierra Leone—a future where democracy and the rule of law would replace force and fear as the primary drivers of political change. His words called for unity and progress, offering a vision of a nation that could rebuild and grow stronger without the shadow of war looming overhead.

09/28/2024

“We are now free to work tirelessly for the unity of our people.”

In his July 7, 1999 speech, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah declared that the signing of the Lome Peace Accord had finally granted Sierra Leoneans the freedom to pursue national unity after years of devastating civil war. This statement went beyond simply acknowledging the end of violence; it emphasized the broader and deeper goal of reconciliation, where every citizen, regardless of their past affiliations or experiences during the conflict, could now come together to rebuild the nation.

Kabbah’s focus on unity reflected his understanding that peace alone was not enough. The true test of the peace agreement’s success would lie in fostering a collective sense of shared purpose among all Sierra Leoneans. By urging the country to work “tirelessly for the unity of our people,” Kabbah was emphasizing the need for continuous, dedicated efforts toward reconciliation and nation-building. His vision called for healing the divisions that the civil war had created and ensuring that the scars of the past would not hinder the future progress of the country.

This commitment to unity also carried a message of inclusiveness, signaling that every individual, whether a former combatant, civilian, or victim of the war, had a role to play in restoring peace and stability. Kabbah recognized that the strength of Sierra Leone’s future lay in the ability of its people to come together, setting aside their differences to focus on common goals like development, justice, and the protection of future generations from the horrors of war.

In this call for national unity, Kabbah demonstrated his belief that the success of the Lome Accord depended not just on political agreements, but on the hearts and minds of the people themselves. Only through a united effort could Sierra Leone truly heal and secure a peaceful and prosperous future.

09/27/2024

"My brother Foday Sankoh will give an address."
During his July 7, 1999 speech, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s mention of Foday Sankoh, leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), as his “brother” was a profound gesture of reconciliation. By referring to Sankoh in this way, Kabbah signaled that the peace process was about inclusion and dialogue, even with those who had caused immense suffering during the civil war. The choice to allow Sankoh, a former enemy, to address the gathering at the signing of the Lome Peace accord reflected Kabbah's commitment to a peace that involved all sides, ensuring that even former adversaries had a role in the future of Sierra Leone.

Kabbah’s recognition of Sankoh was not only symbolic but also strategic. The civil war had devastated the nation, and the RUF had played a central role in the violence. Yet, excluding the RUF from the peace process could have derailed the entire agreement. By acknowledging Sankoh and giving him a platform, Kabbah demonstrated a pragmatic approach to peacebuilding. His actions sent a clear message that the path to lasting peace required the active participation of all factions, even those previously seen as enemies of the state.

The moment also highlighted Kabbah’s understanding of the broader need for national reconciliation. The civil war had left deep divisions in Sierra Leone, and healing those wounds required a process that went beyond just ending the fighting. By giving Sankoh a voice, Kabbah showed that reconciliation involved bringing together all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of which side they had supported during the conflict. This inclusive approach aimed to foster unity and rebuild a nation shattered by war.

Ultimately, Kabbah’s reference to Sankoh as his “brother” during the peace talks illustrated his leadership and vision for a more peaceful and unified Sierra Leone. It was a bold decision that demonstrated his willingness to make difficult concessions for the sake of the country's future. This act of inclusion, even with a figure as controversial as Sankoh, reflected Kabbah’s belief that sustainable peace could only be achieved through dialogue, forgiveness, and the participation of all parties.

09/27/2024

"So much has transpired since the start of the civil war."
In his July 7, 1999 speech, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah reflected on the profound impact of Sierra Leone’s civil war, which had ravaged the country for nearly a decade. His statement acknowledged the immense suffering, loss, and devastation that had marked the conflict, while also recognizing that the nation stood at a critical turning point with the signing of the Lome Peace Accord. The phrase carried emotional weight, as Kabbah spoke to the collective trauma endured by millions of Sierra Leoneans, many of whom had lost family members, homes, and livelihoods in the violence.

Kabbah’s words served as a poignant reminder of the civil war's toll. From the brutal acts of violence inflicted by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) to the displacement of entire communities, the war had left deep scars across the country. His reflection captured the gravity of the moment—an acknowledgment that Sierra Leone had been through one of the darkest periods in its history, and that while peace was within reach, the memory of the war would linger for generations.

The phrase “so much has transpired” also emphasized that the road to peace had been long and arduous. Multiple failed peace efforts, countless negotiations, and broken promises had left the nation weary of conflict. Kabbah was not only speaking about the physical destruction but also the emotional and psychological toll the war had exacted on the population. Families had been torn apart, children had been forced into battle, and the country’s social fabric had been stretched to its breaking point.

However, his words were also tinged with hope. The Lome Peace Accord represented a new beginning, a chance to close the chapter on years of bloodshed and work toward healing and rebuilding. Kabbah’s reflection on the past was not just a lamentation of what had been lost, but a call to remember the lessons learned from the conflict. He sought to remind Sierra Leoneans that while they had endured immense hardship, they now had the opportunity to create a future free from the horrors of war.

This acknowledgment of the nation’s collective suffering also underscored the importance of the peace accord. The Lome Peace Accord was more than just a political agreement; it was a symbol of the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people and their determination to emerge from the ashes of war stronger and more united. Kabbah’s reflection encouraged a sense of shared responsibility for the future, urging all Sierra Leoneans to come together in the pursuit of lasting peace and reconciliation.

The significance of his words extended beyond Sierra Leone’s borders. The international community had played a vital role in brokering peace, and Kabbah’s acknowledgment of the war’s toll was a reminder to global leaders of the importance of continued support in the country’s post-war recovery. The end of the civil war was not the end of Sierra Leone’s challenges, but rather the beginning of a long process of rebuilding and healing—a process that would require both internal unity and external assistance.

Kabbah’s statement marked the close of a chapter defined by conflict and the beginning of a new era for Sierra Leone, one in which peace and recovery were within reach but would require the collective effort of the entire nation.

09/27/2024

"The participation of the RUF will permit the easy implementation of the final accord."

During his July 7, 1999 speech, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah highlighted the critical role of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in the Lome Peace Accord. After years of violent rebellion, the RUF had been a major force driving the civil war in Sierra Leone. By formally including them in the peace process, Kabbah was acknowledging that true peace would only be achievable if all parties to the conflict were engaged and invested in its resolution. The inclusion of the RUF in the agreement was a major step forward, as their participation meant they were no longer an external, destabilizing force, but key stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s future.

The RUF's involvement was not just symbolic. It provided a practical path toward implementing the peace accord. With their participation, the likelihood of lasting peace increased because they would have a vested interest in seeing the agreement succeed. The accord marked the end of armed conflict between the government and the RUF, and by giving them a voice in the peace process, Kabbah created a framework where the rebels became responsible for maintaining and upholding peace. This also allowed for smoother coordination in disarmament, reintegration, and the rebuilding of the nation.

By making the RUF a central part of the accord, Kabbah was fostering an environment of shared responsibility. The peace process became a joint effort, with the RUF transitioning from an adversarial role to that of contributors to the nation's recovery. This strategic move made it easier to implement the terms of the agreement, as the former combatants were now working within the system they had once fought against. Kabbah recognized that excluding such a powerful group from the peace process would only perpetuate the conflict, so he took the pragmatic step of turning former rebels into partners for peace.

The inclusion of the RUF in the Lome Peace Accord was also a message to the people of Sierra Leone and the international community: peace was achievable if everyone, even former enemies, was willing to cooperate. It reflected Kabbah's commitment to inclusive governance and his belief that peace required compromise and collaboration from all sides.

Kabbah’s acknowledgment of the RUF’s participation in the peace process signified a shift in the national dialogue. No longer were the rebels to be seen only as destroyers of the country, but also as part of the solution. This inclusive approach aimed to ensure that the peace accord would not just be a temporary fix but a long-term resolution to the civil war that had torn Sierra Leone apart.

09/27/2024

"He and his men will be issued with passports. So, he is now free to work tirelessly for the unity of our people."

On July 7, 1999, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah made a bold and symbolic gesture by granting full citizenship rights to Foday Sankoh and his fellow Revolutionary United Front (RUF) fighters. By issuing them passports, Kabbah was essentially restoring their rights as citizens of Sierra Leone, allowing them to travel freely and participate fully in the nation’s political and social life. This decision was an essential part of the reconciliation process that followed the signing of the Lome Peace Accord.

The decision to grant Sankoh and his men passports was more than just a bureaucratic formality. It was a deliberate step toward national healing and unity. By recognizing them as full citizens with the same rights as any other Sierra Leonean, Kabbah aimed to bring former combatants into the fold of society, enabling them to transition from war to peace. This gesture was crucial for rebuilding trust and fostering a sense of belonging among those who had previously been viewed as enemies of the state.

Kabbah's move also reflected the broader principles of the Lome Peace Accord, which emphasized inclusivity and reconciliation. The peace process was not about punishing one side but about finding a way for all Sierra Leoneans—regardless of their role in the conflict—to contribute to the country’s future. By issuing passports to Sankoh and his men, Kabbah was reinforcing the idea that everyone, including former rebels, had a stake in the nation’s recovery and prosperity.

This act of reconciliation was not without controversy. Many Sierra Leoneans had suffered terribly at the hands of the RUF, and the thought of granting them full rights as citizens was difficult to accept. Yet, Kabbah understood that lasting peace required overcoming the divisions of the past. His decision to grant Sankoh and his men passports was a reflection of his vision for a unified Sierra Leone, where former adversaries could become partners in peace.

Kabbah’s leadership during this critical moment in Sierra Leone’s history demonstrated his deep commitment to national unity. He recognized that peace was not just about stopping the fighting but about creating a society where all could participate in building the future. By empowering Sankoh and his men to work for the unity of the nation, Kabbah was laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and peaceful Sierra Leone.

09/27/2024

"I recently signed an ordinance, which makes Foday Sankoh a free man."

In his July 7, 1999 speech, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah acknowledged one of the most controversial decisions of the peace process: granting freedom to Revolutionary United Front (RUF) leader Foday Sankoh. As a pivotal figure in Sierra Leone’s civil war, Sankoh was responsible for leading one of the most violent and ruthless rebel factions. The decision to free him, which came as part of the Lome Peace Accord negotiations, was not just controversial but also deeply painful for many who had suffered under the RUF’s atrocities.

Kabbah’s move was both strategic and symbolic. He understood that the peace process required difficult concessions, and freeing Sankoh was necessary to secure a commitment from the RUF to cease hostilities and participate in rebuilding the nation. By making Sankoh a free man, Kabbah demonstrated his willingness to put national peace above personal grievances or political retribution. This decision was a testament to his pragmatic leadership, as it was clear that peace would not be possible without Sankoh’s involvement in the agreement.

For many, Sankoh’s release was a bitter pill to swallow. The RUF had been responsible for horrific crimes, including widespread amputations, mass killings, and the recruitment of child soldiers. However, Kabbah believed that holding onto vengeance would only prolong the conflict. His goal was to build a lasting peace, even if that meant making seemingly unthinkable compromises.

This decision underscored the complexity of post-conflict peacebuilding. In the fragile environment following years of civil war, Kabbah recognized that reconciliation sometimes requires making peace with even the most hated figures. By freeing Sankoh, Kabbah sent a powerful message: that the future of Sierra Leone would not be built on revenge but on the difficult, sometimes uncomfortable process of forgiveness and inclusivity.

Kabbah’s bold decision reflected his deep commitment to peace and national unity. It showed his understanding that the road to peace was paved with difficult choices—choices that might not be immediately popular, but that were essential for the greater good. His leadership in this moment was a crucial factor in bringing an end to the civil war and beginning the process of healing the nation.

09/27/2024

"Many have been arrested, tried, and punished, and if we really aspire for peace, we must ensure that all those who participated in the war are free to participate in restoring peace."

In his July 7, 1999 speech, President Kabbah touched on one of the most sensitive and crucial aspects of post-war recovery: balancing justice with reconciliation. He acknowledged that many individuals involved in the civil war had been arrested, tried, and punished for their actions, which was necessary for accountability. However, Kabbah also understood that lasting peace could not be achieved through punishment alone. His call for allowing all those who participated in the war to be involved in restoring peace was a bold and forward-thinking statement.

Kabbah’s words reflected a deep understanding that true peace requires not only justice but also inclusion. He recognized that former fighters and even those who had committed atrocities needed to have a role in rebuilding the nation. Exclusion, he feared, would only sow seeds of resentment and lead to further unrest. By promoting the idea of reconciliation and participation for all, Kabbah sought to create a future where forgiveness, healing, and cooperation could flourish, ensuring that Sierra Leone would not be trapped in a cycle of retribution and violence.

This approach of inclusivity was a key element of the Lome Peace Accord and highlighted Kabbah’s commitment to uniting the country, even at the cost of difficult compromises. His leadership during this period emphasized the importance of moving forward as a whole nation, rather than allowing divisions from the past to define Sierra Leone’s future.

09/27/2024

"I promise that this agreement, which is going to be signed shortly, shall be implemented with the necessary rigor."

During his July 7, 1999 speech, President Kabbah vowed to enforce the Lome Peace Accord with strict discipline and diligence. This promise was a reassurance to both the people of Sierra Leone and the international community that the agreement would not just be symbolic but actively carried out to achieve real, lasting peace. Having endured years of civil war, Kabbah’s commitment underscored the gravity of the moment—peace was no longer a distant hope but a concrete goal. His pledge to ensure "necessary rigor" demonstrated that this accord would be more than words on paper; it would become the foundation of Sierra Leone’s future stability and recovery. By committing to its full and vigorous implementation, Kabbah showed his determination to secure a peaceful future for the nation.

09/24/2024

"The first agreement did not mention the case of war victims. This has been corrected by the second agreement."

During his July 7, 1999 speech, President Kabbah highlighted a crucial improvement in the Lome Peace Accord—the recognition of war victims, which had been missing from the previous Abidjan agreement. By acknowledging the plight of those who had suffered the most during Sierra Leone’s civil war, the new accord sought to address the pain and losses endured by civilians. Kabbah’s reference to this correction signaled a commitment to healing and justice, ensuring that the peace process would not merely end the violence but also focus on repairing the deep wounds left behind. This inclusion was a vital step in rebuilding trust and providing hope for the future, ensuring that victims were no longer overlooked in the path to recovery.

09/24/2024

"The participation of the Revolutionary United Front is a new development."

During his July 7, 1999 speech, President Kabbah pointed out that the inclusion of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in the peace process was a significant and hopeful change. The RUF had been a major rebel faction responsible for much of the violence during Sierra Leone's civil war, so their active involvement in the peace talks symbolized a willingness to seek resolution from both sides. Kabbah’s acknowledgment of this "new development" was important because it marked a shift from confrontation to negotiation, and it showed that even the most entrenched adversaries were prepared to come together for the sake of the nation’s future. This was a major step forward, suggesting that a more inclusive approach could lead to sustainable peace.

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