Odita Sunday 
Sam-Sumana Thanks Nigeria for Sierra Leone’s Peace, Calls for African Economic Independence
Former Sierra Leonean Vice-President Samuel Sam-Sumana has expressed deep appreciation to Nigeria for its role in restoring peace and stability in Sierra Leone, urging African countries to draw lessons from their shared history and work towards economic independence.
Sam-Sumana spoke on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), where he reflected on the devastating consequences of civil war and the importance of regional cooperation in preventing a recurrence of such crises.
“As a Sierra Leonean, I wish to express my profound gratitude for the role Nigeria and other countries played in helping Sierra Leone regain peace and stability,” he said.
He stressed that the peace enjoyed by one African country could have far-reaching implications for others, noting that the continent’s countries remained closely connected by their political, economic and security challenges.
“When Nigeria catches a cold, the rest of us sneeze,” he said, underscoring Nigeria’s influence on the stability and development of the wider West African region.
Sam-Sumana also called on African countries to reduce their dependence on foreign economies by investing in local industries, processing their raw materials and creating opportunities that would enable their citizens to prosper at home.
He said the continent must move beyond exporting raw materials and importing finished products, arguing that greater investment in industrialisation and local production would strengthen African economies and create jobs for the growing population.
The former vice-president also highlighted the role of the media in promoting accountability, saying journalists must be willing to question those in authority while reporting responsibly and fairly.
He noted that a free and responsible press could help expose wrongdoing, strengthen public institutions and contribute to peace by ensuring that citizens had access to credible information.
Reflecting on the painful experiences of the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, Sam-Sumana urged Africans not to forget the lessons of those conflicts.
“We must never forget those experiences,” he said, stressing the need for African leaders and citizens to protect peace and avoid decisions that could plunge their countries into instability.
He further called for stronger African representation in global decision-making, including at the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the continent should have a greater voice in decisions affecting its people and future.
“Africa must be present at the tables where decisions about its future are made,” he said.
Earlier, DECAN President Odita Sunday said the association’s visit was an opportunity to appreciate Sam-Sumana for attending the association’s Conference and Awards 2026.
Veteran defence correspondents Kingsley Omonobi and Molly Kilete also reflected on their experiences covering the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, recalling the human cost of the conflicts and the importance of sustained efforts to preserve peace.
Sam-Sumana’s remarks served as a reminder that Nigeria’s role in regional peacebuilding remains significant, while Africa’s long-term stability will also depend on stronger economies, accountable leadership and the ability of its countries to work together.
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