In a powerful demonstration of religious and social unity against oppression, the Islamic Denominations Union Association in Sierra Leone organized a massive public festival under the banner “No,” as part of the global campaign against injustice. The event was held at the Freetown City Hall on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The festival drew an audience of over 500 participants, including prominent scholars from both Sunni and Shia traditions, representatives from mosques and religious institutions, a delegation from the Union of Divine Religions, a representative from the Supreme Islamic Council of Sierra Leone, as well as national figures, social leaders, and media professionals. This diverse assembly sent a strong message of unified stance on just humanitarian causes.
The program featured speeches from several religious and national leaders, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in confronting injustice and strengthening the values of justice and peace. Speakers underscored the necessity of Muslim unity across sects and the integration of humanitarian efforts to combat violence and aggression.
The event included local artistic performances, such as anthems that carried themes of rejecting oppression and aggression, while conveying clear messages of solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine. The audience responded with visible emotion and engagement, reflecting a unified position in support of the oppressed and a rejection of hatred.
In his address, Sheikh Ibrahim Bah, Secretary-General of the Servants of Ahl al-Bayt Association in Sierra Leone, stressed the responsibility of religious leaders to clearly articulate their stance against injustice and violations targeting the oppressed in Palestine and Iran. He emphasized that innocent bloodshed cannot go unanswered until justice is achieved.
Sheikh Ali Kalli, a prominent Sunni scholar and member of the Supreme Islamic Council, spoke about Iran’s standing in the Islamic world, describing it as representing a significant segment of Muslims in the face of arrogance. He noted that Iran is subjected to deliberate campaigns of misinformation and added that his visit to Iran revealed much of what is propagated about the country to be inaccurate, with these campaigns aimed at sowing division.
Mr. Oloo, a member of the Union of Divine Religions, stated that Iran symbolizes freedom for all free people worldwide, criticizing the double standards in international discourse that label Muslims as terrorists while certain powers engage in actual terrorism. He called for awareness and support for the oppressed.
The President of the Islamic Denominations Union Association, Judge Alhaji Abu Bakr, emphasized that the cause is fundamentally humanitarian, not sectarian, urging Muslims to overcome divisions and work collectively in support of just causes. Similarly, Mr. Wusha Conteh, the association’s Secretary-General, affirmed that justice is the foundation of a dignified life and called for its promotion to ensure societal stability.
Hajjah Yima Ahmed, a member of the Women’s Forum, shared her personal experience after two visits to Iran, asserting that the reality there differs greatly from the distorted image promoted by certain media campaigns. The event concluded with a performance by journalist Yusuf Manaf Conteh, who delivered an anthem calling for peace and justice, met with enthusiastic interaction from the audience.
This festival marks a significant milestone in advancing inclusive humanitarian discourse in Sierra Leone and a step toward fostering a culture of dialogue and coexistence. It is expected to inspire similar initiatives in the future.