Rtd. AIG. Morie Lengor Esq, the Minister of Internal Affairs has on 21st November 2025 been honoured as the Chief Guest at the occasion of the Digital Inauguration of “The Human Cost of Terrorism” Exhibition, organized by the India High Commissioner to Sierra Leone B C Pradhan and Team.
The occasion that attracted attendees from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies with the Theme “The Human Cost of Terrorism” at the Freetown City Council Looby on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown, aims to reflect on the profound suffering caused by terrorism globally, while reaffirming the shared commitment of nations to peace, resilience, and cooperation against terrorism in all forms.
Speaking at the occasion on behalf of His Excellency the President Brig. Rtd. Julius Maada Bio and the Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Rtd. AIG. Morie Lengor Esq, the Minister of Internal Affairs underlined that Terrorism remains one of the most devastating challenges to human security in the world, that is seriously affecting individuals, families and the entire society. He noted that terrorism any where is a threat to peace everywhere, and state sponsorship of terrorism must be exposed and countered.
He went on that, it also encompasses not only the immediate loss of life and injury, but also a long-term psychological trauma, displacement, social fragmentation and economic deprivation worldwide.
He however, shed light on the Human Cost of Terrorism which is extending far beyond casualties, manifesting in broken bodies, traumatised minds, fractured societies, and little development among other things.
“Ultimately, reducing the human toll of terrorism demands not only preventing attacks but also healing the wounds they leave behind. It is only by prioritizing human dignity and solidarity that societies can truly recover and resist the forces that seek to devide them”. The Minister stated.
He also hightlighted a diverse range of interventions of national and international efforts, aimed at preventing and countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while outlining achievements and the challenges in the global counter-terrorism landscape.
The Minister who formerly unveiled the Television that displays the memories of the victims of terrorism, noted the emotional consequences of terrorism that persist for decades, as survivors, witnesses, and families of victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress, disorder, depression and anxiety. “This polarisation weakens social bonds and undermines national unity”. The Minister added.
In conclusion, Minister Lengor Esq, opined that addressing human cost of terrorism requires a holistic approach, one that combines security measures with psychological support, economic recovery, education, and community resilience among others.
Addressing the gathering, the India High Commissioner to Sierra Leone B C Pradhan said he was gratified and appreciative of the Minister for gracing the occasion, saying his gesture symbolises Sierra Leone’s consistent commitment to global peace and human security.
According to him, the exhibition reflects not just an event but human stories, as it also honoured the memories of victims of terrorism and reminds them all that their shared responsibility is ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated.
He revealed that India has always advocated a Comprehensive Convention on international Terrorism to ensure that the international community speaks in one voice.
“Terrorism is not merely a security challenge, it is above all, a profound human tragedy. “Beyond every act of terror lies along shadow – fear, trauma, poverty, displacement, lost livelihoods, and halted development”. The India High Commissioner asserted.
P C Bradhan closed, as he recalled with gratitude the special gesture made by the Parliament of Sierra Leone during the visit of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation noting that such gestures reflect the depth of friendship between their nations.