On Monday, 27 April 2026, Sierra Leone celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary, with events held at home and across the diaspora. In the United Kingdom, staff of the Sierra Leone High Commission in London joined fellow Sierra Leoneans and partners in a series of activities reflecting unity, resilience, and commitment to national progress.
Ahead of the celebrations, the High Commission took part in a special Sunday prayer service at Methodist Central Hall Westminster. The service, organised by The Gambia and Sierra Leone Fellowship and led by Reverend Tony Miles, brought together worshippers to pray for President Julius Maada Bio, the government, and the people of Sierra Leone.
On Independence Day, High Commission staff, led by Deputy High Commissioner Mrs Yvonne King Odigboh, joined the Mayor of the London Borough of Camden, Councillor Eddie Hindolo Hanson, and members of the Sierra Leonean community to mark the occasion.
Mayor Hanson, who was born in Sierra Leone, is the first Black person of African heritage to be elected Mayor of Camden. In his remarks, he spoke about his journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and the opportunities that helped shape his path in public service.
Speaking on behalf of the High Commissioner, Dr Morie Komba Manyeh, who attended celebrations in Freetown, Mrs Odigboh delivered a message of goodwill from President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone.
She said the anniversary was a time to reflect on the country’s progress and challenges, noting that Sierra Leone has overcome difficult moments including civil war, Ebola, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have endured many trials as a nation, but we did not break. We rebuilt and showed the strength of our people,” she said.
She also highlighted the national theme, “Building a Responsive, Resilient and Cohesive Sierra Leone,” pointing to progress in education, governance, gender equality, and infrastructure.
Her message aligned with President Bio’s Independence Day speech in Freetown, where he spoke about global economic challenges and plans to support citizens while promoting long-term growth. He described 2026 as a “Year of Action and Accelerated Execution” and called on citizens to focus on national development.
Mrs Odigboh urged Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad to remain united and committed to building the country.
Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Chancery, Mrs Juliana Sia Hawa Fallah, thanked Mayor Hanson and Camden Council for supporting the event. She described the Mayor’s story as inspiring and a strong example of success in the diaspora.
During the event, Mayor Hanson presented awards to Sierra Leonean organisations for their contributions to community development. In return, the High Commission honoured him with a traditional Sierra Leonean scarf.
The celebrations ended with an Evensong service at Westminster Abbey, led by Canon Mark Birch, with music from the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge. Prayers were offered for the President, the government, and the people of Sierra Leone.
Mrs Odigboh also read from the Book of Revelation, Chapter 7, verses 9 to 17, reflecting unity and hope among nations.
As Sierra Leone marks 65 years of independence, the events in London highlighted a message of unity, resilience, and shared commitment to the country’s future.
