Peace Commission: Strengthening Unity in Sierra Leone

By: Umaru Kanu

In less than five years of operation, Sierra Leone’s Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has become a cornerstone of the nation’s democratic resilience and social stability. Established to heal the wounds of past conflicts and prevent new divisions, the Commission has grown into one of Africa’s most respected peacebuilding institutions. It is currently ranked fifth on the continent, second within ECOWAS, and first in the Mano River Union for its contributions to dialogue, reconciliation, and national cohesion.

That recognition aligns with Sierra Leone’s recent climb in the 2025 Global Peace Index, where the country moved up two places to 57th out of 163 nations. Released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Index highlights Sierra Leone’s improved safety, lower risks of violent demonstrations, and reduced perceptions of criminality placing the country ahead of Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria, and just behind The Gambia.