By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Tonko Limba, Sierra Leone – On September 13, 2024, in the Kambia district’s Tonko Limba chiefdom, residents called for the expansion of memorial sites, emphasizing their role in promoting peace and reconciliation. Community members argue that memorials addressing cultural and identity issues are essential to fostering unity and preventing future violence, laying a foundation for the next generation.
Sierra Leone, still healing from its civil war, has only a few memorials, but their impact has been profound. One notable example is the memorial plaque unveiled in Madina, Tonko Limba, on August 12, 2024, honoring Christian Alusine Kamara Taylor. A respected politician and founding member of the All People Congress (APC), Taylor’s memory has become a symbol of peace and unity.
Pa Momodu Kamara, a relative of Taylor, spoke about the memorial’s significance in uniting politically divided community members. “The plaque was erected with the collective effort of members from different political parties, symbolizing our solidarity despite political differences. Many of Taylor’s relatives found closure and satisfaction through this memorial,” Kamara said.
The memorial’s statue of Kamara Taylor, dressed in a white gown and cap to represent peace, stands in the heart of Madina. An accompanying plaque honors Taylor’s service to Sierra Leone, commemorating his death on March 27, 1985, as a turning point in the community’s journey toward peace.
Kamara further explained how the memorial has helped bridge political divides within the chiefdom. “Before this, there was little cooperation among us despite living in the same area. But the unification following Taylor’s memorial has brought peace and sparked numerous development initiatives,” he noted.
The community has since established several facilities in Taylor’s memory, including Radio Cat Barming, a school, and a hospital. Kamara highlighted how these developments have also indirectly honored other victims of the civil war who lack personal memorials.
Young resident Amara Turay praised the memorial for its enduring legacy, even though he never met Kamara Taylor. “My late mother always said the plaque serves as a reminder to avoid actions that lead to conflict. I hope we see more such memorials across the country,” Turay remarked.
Despite these local efforts, Sierra Leone lacks official commemorative days for war victims and survivors, according to Harold Dekth, a project officer for the National Commission for Social Action (NACSA). “Unlike other regions, Sierra Leone doesn’t have official days for remembrance,” Dekth said.
NACSA’s Regional Coordinator, Farama Joseph Bangura, echoed the need for more focus on memorialization. While Sierra Leone has successfully implemented reparations programs, he noted the absence of dedicated memorial sites for war victims.
The memorial for Kamara Taylor highlights the growing importance of memorialization in Sierra Leone’s peace-building efforts, serving as a reminder of the power of unity in healing a nation still recovering from conflict.