“Remembrance Day Must Translate into Justice,” Says War Survivor’s Advocate

Following the declaration of January 18 as National Remembrance Day by President, His Excellency, Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio, on December 11, 2025, renewed calls have emerged for the full implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations, particularly those contained in Volume 2, Chapter 4. The Chief Executive Officer, Founder, and Visionary of Melqosh Mission International Organization (MMIO), Pastor Faith Okerafo Smart, made the call on Monday, January 12, 2026, while commemorating the 24th anniversary of January 18 with a medical screening exercise (Part One), and the donation of food items to war survivors. The event, held at Melqosh House, No. 8, Newton Amputees Camp, Newton, in the Western Area Rural District, Waterloo, saw the distribution of 25-kilogram bags of rice to forty amputee war survivors as part of activities marking National Remembrance Day and advocacy for survivors of Sierra Leone’s civil war.

Addressing members of the media, Pastor Faith applauded President Bio for revisiting the TRC recommendations, describing the action as long overdue and a positive step toward national healing. However, she stressed that remembrance must go beyond symbolism and lead to tangible justice for the remaining victims of Sierra Leone’s decade-long conflict. She appealed to the Government of Sierra Leone to address and fully implement the entire Chapter 4 of the TRC recommendations, not only Section 202.

According to her, Chapter 4 provides a comprehensive framework for reparations, rehabilitation, healthcare, pensions, and public apology measures essential for restoring dignity to war survivors. Pastor Faith expressed deep concern that more than 70 percent of war victims have already passed away, many due to poverty, neglect, and lack of access to basic medical care. “As a nation, we have a civic and moral responsibility to preserve, empower, and restore the dignity of the survivors still alive,” she said, warning that social justice delayed risks becoming social justice denied.

She emphasized that her advocacy is neither political nor partisan but a patriotic and civic responsibility she has sustained since 2012. Citing Proverbs 31:8-9, she reminded the nation of its obligation to speak up for the voiceless and defend the rights of the poor and needy. Pastor Faith referenced several key TRC provisions, including Section 82 on government responsibility for reparations; Section 109 on free lifetime physical healthcare for amputees; Section 119 on free rehabilitation services; Section 168 on pensions for war victims; Section 197 on public apology for failures and inaction; and Section 237 on the establishment of a special fund for victims.

According to her, many war survivors continue to beg on the streets for food, while others have died from preventable causes due to lack of medical attention. “Honouring war survivors with a public holiday, without alleviating their suffering, is like reopening wounds without providing a bandage or medicine,” she remarked.

She further disclosed that she has carried the original TRC Volume for nearly a decade, having received it from the late former President of the War Amputees and War Wounded Association, Mr. Edward Conteh. She described the document as a symbol of unfinished justice and unfulfilled national promises.

As a pastor, missionary, and founder of a nationwide outreach ministry operating in 21 towns, Pastor Faith has conducted humanitarian missions across Africa and in Sierra Leone since April 2008, marking nearly 18 years of continuous service to war survivors. She concluded with a humble appeal to the President, Government, and citizens of Sierra Leone to become their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and truly honour those whose blood was spilled for the peace the nation now enjoys. “They paid the greatest price,” she said. “If remembrance is to be meaningful, it must lead to justice, dignity, and restored lives.”