When is National Day of Remembrance?
In 2026, National Day of Remembrance falls on Sunday, January 18, 2026. It is an observance rather than a federal holiday, so federal offices and most businesses follow their normal schedules.
History of National Day of Remembrance
National Day of Remembrance was first observed on January 18, 2026, after President Julius Maada Bio proclaimed the annual date in December 2025. It fulfils a Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendation and recalls January 18, 2002, when President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah publicly declared the eleven-year civil war over.
The war began in 1991 and involved the RUF, government forces, army juntas, Civil Defence Forces and foreign and international actors. Civilians endured killing, displacement, sexual violence, forced recruitment and amputation. Responsible remembrance centres victims and survivors across communities, does not reduce the conflict to ‘tribal war’ or diamonds alone, and recognises that truth, reparations and institutional reform remain part of peacebuilding.
National Day of Remembrance is an annual national observance proclaimed in December 2025, but it does not appear among the public holidays in the National Tourist Board's 2026 calendar and no notice making January 18 a work-free public holiday was identified. It therefore remains an observance entry: its Sunday placement in 2026 does not create a Monday substitute.
How National Day of Remembrance is observed
Annual national observance on Sunday, January 18, 2026; it is not listed as a public day off and creates no Monday substitute.
Traditions of National Day of Remembrance
Household and community practice
Families and survivors may remember privately, visit memorials, share testimony or choose not to participate because commemoration can be painful. Practice differs among regions, congregations, ethnic communities, mixed-faith families and households with different resources.
Documented public observance
The first programme was developed with peace organisations, civil society and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion around reflection, healing and civic education. This is documented Sierra Leonean practice, not a claim that every town stages the same programme.
Practical planning
Do not describe January 19 as a holiday; event organisers should use trauma-aware practice and obtain consent before recording survivors. Confirm the current State House, transport, congregation and employer notices before relying on hours or access.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Sierra Leone cultural, civic or religious guidance. Government, regional, school and employer schedules in Sierra Leone may differ; check the linked official source and current local notices before making time-sensitive plans.
History sources: Sierra Leone Public Holidays Act, Cap. 58, SierraLII: Employment Act 2023, National Tourist Board: 2025–2026 national events calendar, U.S. International Trade Administration: Sierra Leone 2026 business calendar, Ministry of Information: proclamation implementing the TRC recommendation, Sierra Leone TRC: final report and recommendations, Ministry of Information: first Remembrance Day planning.
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