Nine years ago today, our nation woke to a tragedy that would remain in our collective memory forever.

The mudslide and flooding that struck Freetown on 14 August 2017 took away our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children, friends and neighbours. Homes were destroyed, families were separated, and in minutes, many lives were changed forever.

Today, my thoughts are first and foremost with the families who still carry that loss.

Nine years may seem like a long time, but grief does not follow a calendar. For those who lost someone that day, and for the survivors who witnessed what happened and still live with those memories, August 14 is more than an anniversary; it is personal.

As we remember those we lost, we must also remember the courage our people showed in those difficult hours. Ordinary Sierra Leoneans became rescuers. Neighbours helped neighbours. Strangers opened their homes and hearts to people they had never met. In the midst of immense pain, we saw the humanity and strength that bind us together as a people.

But remembrance must also cause us to reflect.

We owe it to those who died, and to generations yet unborn, to learn from that tragedy. We must take the protection of our environment, the safety of vulnerable communities and our preparedness for disasters seriously. Protecting the lives of our people must always come first.

Today is not a day for politics. It is a day for remembrance, prayer and reflection.

On behalf of my family and the DIB Movement, I join Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad in remembering every precious life lost on that painful day.

To the survivors, we honour your strength.

To the bereaved families, we continue to stand with you.

And to those who left us on 14 August 2017, you are not forgotten. Sierra Leone remembers you.

May Almighty God continue to comfort every grieving family, grant eternal rest to the departed, and give us the wisdom and courage to build a safer and more caring Sierra Leone.

We remember. We reflect. We must do better.

*HEAL. UNITE. BUILD.*

*Dr. Ibrahim Bangura*
*Leader, DIB Movement.*
*14/08/26*