Inter-Religious Council Convenes to Restore Peace, Unity After Inflammatory Remarks.

In a decisive move to safeguard Sierra Leone’s tradition of peaceful coexistence, the Ministry of Social Welfare has on December 31, 2025 convened an emergency meeting with the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone. The gathering followed inflammatory religious statements made publicly by an Imam, raising concerns about community harmony during the Christmas season.

The forum opened with a message from Professional Head Madam Mariatu Bangura, who framed the session as a “family meeting” aimed at preserving the country’s long-standing peace and religious tolerance. Honourable Minister Madam Melrose Karminty underscored the urgency, highlighting Sierra Leone’s status as a model of interfaith harmony in Africa. She explained that the incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve, threatened this unity and demanded swift, constructive dialogue.

A central objective of the meeting was to secure a formal apology from the individual involved, Imam Shaka Abu Bakarr Kamara. Minister Karminty emphasized that while the Constitution governs all citizens, there was a need for a collective reaffirmation of shared values to prevent future discord and reinforce mutual respect among communities.

Leaders from across faiths spoke with a spirit of unity. Reverend Henry Abioseh Samuels of the Council of Churches recalled a history of joint celebrations and communal lifeways, noting that Muslim leaders had promptly reached out for collaboration when the incident occurred, exemplifying cross-faith solidarity. Sheikh Ibrahim Barrie of the Supreme Islamic Council reiterated Islam’s commitment to peace and offered an apology on behalf of the Muslim community, acknowledging human fallibility. Other representatives, including Musa Mewa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, highlighted the divine origins of all faiths and the importance of scholarly wisdom to prevent future discord.

Imam Shaka Abu Bakarr Kamara issued a direct and unequivocal public apology to all Sierra Leoneans, expressing deep regret for his remarks and pledging that they would not be repeated. His gesture complemented the broader message of unity and responsibility shared by all faith communities present at the meeting.

Minister Karminty thanked attendees and reiterated that the council’s message to the nation is one of unwavering unity, peace, and neighbourly love, transcending religious lines. The gathering demonstrated a collective commitment to constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and the cultivation of harmony across Sierra Leone’s diverse spiritual landscape.

Correspondent: Abu Bakarr Sama

Ministry of Social Welfare

Email: abubakarrsama02@gmail.com