A Call to Reflection and Gratitude: Dr. Richard Konteh’s Message on Ramadan, Lent, and Armed Forces Day

As we enter the sacred seasons of Ramadan for our Muslim community and Lent for our Christian community, I extend my heartfelt prayers, goodwill, and solidarity to all Sierra Leoneans.

These holy periods call us to reflection, restraint, compassion, and renewal. They invite us to look inward, to examine our conduct as individuals and as a nation, and to recommit ourselves to values that strengthen our shared humanity—justice, humility, forgiveness, and service to others.

At a time when our country is navigating complex political, economic, and social challenges, these seasons remind us that peace and progress begin with conscience. They teach us that power must be exercised with restraint, leadership with responsibility, and authority with fairness.

As I have stated before, this is not a moment for intimidation or escalation, but for institution-building, dialogue, and national unity. Ramadan and Lent reinforce that truth. They call us away from division and toward understanding; away from fear and toward faith; away from excess and toward empathy for those who struggle daily to survive.

In a constitutional democracy, justice must be impartial, institutions must be fair, and the dignity of every citizen must be protected. These principles are not only political ideals—they are moral imperatives deeply rooted in both Islam and Christianity.

I therefore encourage all Sierra Leoneans, leaders and citizens alike, to use this sacred season to pray for our nation, to speak with kindness, to act with integrity, and to place the common good above personal or partisan interest.

May this season soften our hearts, calm tensions, restore trust, and renew our collective commitment to justice, peace, and national unity.

I pray that the Almighty God grants strength to those who are fasting, comfort to those who suffer, wisdom to those who lead, and hope to every Sierra Leonean.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Blessed Lenten Season.

May God bless Sierra Leone.

Let me also use this solemn occasion to extend our best wishes and thanksgiving to our gallant men and women of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces as we celebrate Armed Forces Day with you.

Your sacrifices for and dedication to defending the sovereignty of our motherland and the supremacy of our national constitution have been remarkable. We pray for God’s divine blessings and prosperity to be showered on you.

May God continue to bless our beloved Sierra Leone.

Dr. Richard Konteh (D-Unifier)