By Marian Magdalene Bangura Strategic Communication Unit – MoICE
In a moving and historic gesture of gratitude, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has conferred national honors on several distinguished international military officers who played pivotal roles in helping Sierra Leone achieve and sustain peace during and after its brutal civil war.At a grand ceremony marking Armed Forces Day at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Ground in Wilberforce, the President awarded the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of Rokel to generals and commanders from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The event honored those who, more than two decades ago, stood with Sierra Leone in its fight for peace.Righting a Historic OversightPresident Bio described the gesture as a “correction of history” an overdue acknowledgment of those who sacrificed for Sierra Leone’s freedom and stability.“For years, we celebrated our peace but forgot to formally thank those who helped us achieve it,” the President remarked. “Today, Sierra Leone says thank you to the brave men and women from across Africa and the world who stood with us when we needed them most.”The honors also extended to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, whose officers and soldiers fought valiantly during the civil war. As a former soldier and peace negotiator, President Bio said this moment also symbolizes remembrance for the Sierra Leoneans who fought, died, and worked for peace.Profiles of Honor: The Gallant Officers RecognizedGeneral Daniel Ishmael Opande – KenyaLieutenant General Daniel Opande, a highly respected Kenyan military officer, served as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) between 2000 and 2003. Under his command, UNAMSIL became the largest peacekeeping force in the world at that time, helping secure disarmament and stabilization after years of conflict. His steady leadership restored confidence among the warring factions and civilians alike.General Martin Luther Agwai – NigeriaGeneral Agwai, one of Africa’s most experienced peacekeepers, served in Sierra Leone under the United Nations and later led peacekeeping missions across the continent. His strategic insight, diplomacy, and professionalism helped unify multinational troops operating under difficult conditions. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Sierra Leone toward a peaceful transition.Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede – NigeriaMajor General Oluyede commanded Nigerian contingents under the ECOMOG, which spearheaded early interventions before UNAMSIL was fully deployed. His troops were among the first to help secure Freetown and defend civilians during rebel offensives in the late 1990s. Nigeria’s steadfast support through ECOMOG laid the groundwork for lasting peace.General Ibrahim Sourie Bangoura – GuineaGeneral Bangoura represented Guinea’s decisive role in Sierra Leone’s stability. Guinean troops guarded the northern and eastern borders, thwarting rebel incursions and protecting thousands of refugees. Their presence ensured that peace within Sierra Leone was not undermined by cross-border conflict.Major General Paul Rogers – United States of AmericaMajor General Paul Rogers, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard, has been a vital bridge between the United States and Sierra Leone in recent years. He spearheaded the State Partnership Program (SPP) between Michigan and Sierra Leone in 2024, strengthening logistics, training, and security cooperation. His recognition signifies the ongoing friendship and defense collaboration between the two nations.Major General Edward Butlers – United KingdomRepresenting the United Kingdom’s instrumental role during and after the civil war, Major General Butlers’ recognition reflects the British government’s steadfast support from the early days of the conflict through the rebuilding of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. British training missions and military advisers helped professionalize the Sierra Leonean military and secure democratic peace.Why It MattersThe ceremony is more than a formality. It is a statement of gratitude, an acknowledgment that Sierra Leone’s peace was not achieved in isolation. The officers honored represent a generation of international cooperation, courage, and shared sacrifice.By recognizing these men and their nations, President Bio is not only expressing the nation’s thanks but also reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace, solidarity, and regional partnership.“This is about remembering — remembering those who fought for us, stood with us, and believed in Sierra Leone,” the President said. “Today, we honor them. And in honoring them, we honor ourselves.”