The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), has held a solemn national memorial ceremony in honour of the 18 security personnel who lost their lives during the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023. The Inter-Faith Service, which took place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Defence Headquarters in Freetown, brought together top military officers, government dignitaries, religious leaders, and grieving families of the deceased.
The ceremony marked the second anniversary of the violent incident in which 15 soldiers, two police officers, and one correctional service officer were killed while defending the nation’s democratic order. The service was designed as a moment of national reflection, unity, and tribute to the courage of the security personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
In his opening remarks, Colonel Victor Momoh highlighted the significance of the occasion, emphasizing that the memorial represents a moment for the nation to collectively acknowledge the bravery of the fallen heroes.
“Today marks two years since the tragic event of 26th November 2023,” he said. “On that day, 18 of our gallant security personnel paid the ultimate price to defend our country and our democracy. This service is the first of its kind, giving us the space to pray for their souls and stand firmly with the families they left behind.”
Colonel Momoh urged members of the security sector to remain steadfast in their duty to Sierra Leone. He noted that the sacrifices of the fallen must serve as a continuous reminder of the responsibility borne by those in uniform.
Delivering a tribute on behalf of the Sierra Leone Police, the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, praised the dedication of the officers who died protecting the nation.
“These men and women served Sierra Leone with unwavering loyalty,” he said. “Whatever peace and stability we enjoy today is deeply rooted in their sacrifices. As people of faith, we see death as a passage into eternity, and we strongly believe that our 18 personnel rest peacefully in heaven.”
A particularly emotional moment came when family members of one of the victims, Victor Rogers, shared their struggles since his death. Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, a relative recounted the challenges they have faced over the past two years.
“The victims’ families have been completely abandoned,” the relative lamented. “We have knocked on many doors, yet no one pays attention to our welfare. We were even chased out of our quarters. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid.”
Representing the government, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, extended condolences on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio. He condemned the 2023 coup plotters as “enemies of the state” who attempted to derail the nation’s democracy and plunge Sierra Leone into instability.
“His Excellency has asked me to convey his deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the minister said. “We pray for the souls of the victims—officers of the Armed Forces, the police, and the Correctional Service—who lost their lives on that day. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”
Minister Kabba stressed the importance of supporting the families left behind, describing them as “heroes of our land,” whose husbands, brothers, and loved ones sacrificed everything for the country.
“We must not forget them,” he added.
The event ended with prayers from both Christian and Muslim clerics, symbolizing the unity and collective grief shared across the nation. The ceremony not only honoured the memory of the fallen security personnel but also renewed the national commitment to safeguarding peace, democracy, and the welfare of those who defend the state.