Sierra Leone president asks for civil war 'forgiveness'

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FREETOWN — Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio apologised on Sunday to victims of the country's 1991-2002 civil war that killed more than 100,000 people.

"On behalf of the nation, I ask for forgiveness," said Bio in an address marking the first National Day of Remembrance in memory of the victims.

"I ask for forgiveness on behalf of our nation and on behalf of our leaders, past and present. We cannot erase what was done, but we can face up to it with humility, honesty and courage," said Bio.

The leader, who became president in 2018, was initially a soldier during the conflict and then a member of the junta which was in power during that period.

"To all the victims and survivors, I cannot ask you to forget. I only ask that, in your own time and in your own way, our nation find the grace to heal fully, restore dignity and move forward together," said Bio.

He further urged Sierra Leoneans to "weigh their words carefully, especially those active on social media.

"We must reject any incitement to hatred," he added.

Early Sunday, a small group of amputees and war wounded gathered at Freetown's Peace Museum to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict.

Dressed in white and wearing white ribbons, they laid wreaths on symbolic graves following prayers and observation of a minute's silence.

The war, which left many thousands wounded and maimed on top of the dead, lasted 10 years and officially ended on January 18, 2002.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in the country to investigate responsibility for the atrocities committed during the conflict, recommended that the government dedicate a day to the memory of those who died.