19/02/2026
Former UNAMSIL Boss Visits Presidential Adviser
By Jane B. Mansaray
The former Head of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Lieutenant General Daniel Opande and his then deputy Martin Luther Agwai on Tuesday paid a courtesy on the spouse of Sierra Leone’s former head of state who now serves as the Presidential Adviser on Gender at State House.
Speaking at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Gender at Tower Hill in Freetown, Lieutenant General Daniel Opande said the purpose of the visit was in honor and remembrance of former President Alhaji Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s supportive role to the Mission, and his commitment to peace in Sierra Leone.
Though they are were in Sierra Leone to observe the Armed Forces Day, they thought it very important to visit the wife of the late President Kabbah in appreciation of her husband’s selfless leadership style, and the way he fought for national unity after a debilitating civil war.
After years, Gen. Opande expressed happiness to visit Sierra Leone again, and said he was impressed with the changes and development he has seen compared to how the country was before they left.
Lieutenant General Opanda recalled meeting Issa Sesay, one of the RUF leaders for the first time at Komrabai Junction in Makeni, Bombali district.
He also remembered how President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, after the completion of the disarmament process went to Lungi where three of them ignited the fire to burn down surrendered weapons, and it was at that point that President Ahmad Teian Kabbah pronounced "Di War Don-Don" meaning the war has ended.
General Opande thanked Mrs. Isatu Jabbie-Kabbah for agreeing to see them at a very short notice, and informed her of how they worked very closely with the late President Kabbah, and the respect he accorded them. He noted that without his support and selfless leadership style, UNAMSIL would not have succeeded in Sierra Leone.
Martin Luther Agwai, a Nigerian national, thanked his former boss, Lieutenant General Daniel Opande, a Kenya national, for coming along. He reminded that the former President was very supportive to the Mission and the unity of Sierra Leone which he said really helped.
He described the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah as a great and selfless leader who put the interest of his country above his personal interest.
General Opande and Agwai encouraged Mrs. Isatu Jabbie Kabbah to continue to be a good example, by leading young girls and women to self-empowerment.
In her statement, Mrs. Isatu Jabbie Kabbah thanked Gen. Opnade and Agwai for not only visiting her but for what they did for Sierra Leone. She extended special thanks to Nigeria and Kenya, and said Sierra Leone will never forget them, and continue to appreciate them for bringing peace.
"You did not only support the late President Kabbah to return from exile in Guinea after he was overthrown, but stood you people by him through thick and thin, and Sierra Leoneans will continue to appreciate you for bringing peace, and continue to work on the advice of maintaining the peace we all fought for," Mrs. Isatu Jabbie Kabbah assured.
Mrs. Kabbah congratulated Gen. Opande and Agwai for their fantastic contributions in ending the civil war, and rebuilding the Military by then.
The importance of the visit, according to Mrs. Kabbah, underscores the good working relationship they established with the former President and the good time they spent in Sierra Leone.
To appreciate themselves more, Mrs. I J Kabbah encouraged the visitors to visit the devastating Kailahun, and see the present status, with the lots of development and changes that have taken place over the years.
Mrs. Kabbah proudly informed her visitors of President Julius Maada Bio's commitment to women representation and empowerment, and for the first time has introduced the 30% quota for women, also with many other women in elective and appointment positions, competing with Rwanda. She wished Gen. Opande and Agwai well on the occasion of Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces Day.
A book titled "In Pursuit of Peace in Africa," authored by Lieutenant General Daniel Opande was presented to the former Mrs. Isatu Jabbie Kabbah.