Sierra Leoneans in Ireland Unite to Celebrate 63rd Independence Anniversary

By Baillor Jalloh

On Saturday, 27th April 2024, Sierra Leoneans across Ireland gathered in Dublin's Lucan area to celebrate their country's 63rd year of independence. The event which was organised by the Sierra Leone Community in Ireland in collaboration with Sierra Leone Ireland Partnership (SLIP) attracted hundreds of people, including many from the Irish community and other Africans living in the country.

Various activities were organised and included a fashion contest, spoken word, poetry and tug-of-war.
Sierra Leone regained its independence from Britain on April 27th 1961. However, in 1991, the country went into civil war which lasted over a decade with thousands dead, many more injured and several fleeing the country to seek sanctuary in Europe and other parts of the world.
The conflict ended in 2002 with the help of the United Nations and the UK. In recent years, Sierra Leone has enjoyed relative peace and successful democratic elections, but has also endured tough economic challenges with inflation hitting more than 50% in recent times.