On the solemn occasion of the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of January 6th, 1999, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr joined the executive committee and members of the War Amputees and War Wounded Association. The gathering, hosted by Melqosh Mission International, an organization led by Pastor Faith Okafor-Smart, is dedicated to serving amputees and children of amputee victims of Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war since 2008.

Reflecting on the high cost of war and the enduring pain it inflicts across generations, today’s meeting with war victims brought forth poignant stories of resilience and struggle. Amputees shared memories of being shot or hacked, witnessing the loss of loved ones, and the daily challenges of coping with imposed disabilities. Amidst these tales of hardship, stories of hope, inspiration, and remarkable achievements also emerged.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr used the occasion to call for collective action towards peace. She urged everyone to actively pursue peace through their words, decisions, and actions. On this 25th anniversary of January 6th, 1999, she resonated a powerful message: “Never again” to war in Sierra Leone. Let this day serve as a reminder to strive for lasting peace in the nation.