Sierra Leone played a significant role in this year’s Commonwealth Day celebrations, held on Monday, 10th March 2025, in London. The day’s action-packed events highlighted the nation’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s values.
Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey
His Excellency Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, attended the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, an annual multi-faith service which celebrates the unity and diversity of the 56 Commonwealth nations.
The service, graced by the presence of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla, was also attended by other senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as senior politicians from across the British political divide.
The service featured performances from various artists across the Commonwealth, symbolizing the cultural richness of member nations. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Together We Thrive,” emphasized unity and collaboration among member states. 
Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Memorial Gates
Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh represented Sierra Leone at the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill. This solemn event honored the millions from Commonwealth nations who served and sacrificed during the First and Second World Wars. The ceremony remains a poignant reminder of the shared history and sturdy bonds existing among Commonwealth countries.
Commonwealth Flag Waving Ceremony
n another display of national pride, Ahmed Hafiz Fornah, a Sierra Leonean student at Waltham Forest College, represented the country at the Commonwealth Flag Waving Ceremony. This event symbolizes the unity and shared values of the Commonwealth nations, with each member country’s flag being proudly displayed. Fornah’s participation highlighted the involvement of Sierra Leone’s youth in Commonwealth affairs and underscored the importance of engaging younger generations in such significant events.
Significance of the Ceremonies
The Commonwealth Day celebrations serve as an annual affirmation of the shared values, cultural heritage, and mutual aspirations of the member nations. For Sierra Leone, active participation in these ceremonies reinforces its commitment to the principles of democracy, development, and diversity that the Commonwealth upholds. Engaging in events like the Westminster Abbey service, the wreath-laying at the Memorial Gates, and the flag-waving ceremony in Westminster honours the ongoing dedication to fostering international cooperation and understanding.
Sierra Leone’s involvement in this year’s events reflects its enduring commitment to the Commonwealth and its values, while also showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage, reinforcing its active participation on the global stage.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché