Embarking on a Journey to Sierra Leone: A Quest for Peacebuilding and Reconciliation (Part 2)

Suraj Budathoki, Ahmad Bakdad, France Bognon, Interim CEO, International Civil Society Action Network; Jesica Rhone, Director of International Programs, McConnell Foundation

By Suraj Budathoki 










​Although I have never visited a war zone or country ravaged by conflict, the desire to visit these places, meet with people who have lived through unimaginable circumstances, and learn from their experiences has always been deep-rooted in me. My doctoral studies over time, now have revolved around theories aimed at mending the acrimony between warring parties. I have invested reasonable time reading, researching their implementation, and scrutinizing the ingrained challenges in such processes. Still, there is something incomparable about moving out of the academic world and into the real stories of those affected by conflict.

I am grateful to Global Citizens Circle for allowing me to deepen my understanding through meaningful dialogue and engagement. This incredible organization has been a cornerstone of my development as a peacebuilder, continually encouraging me to link theory with practice. During one of these moments of connection, Theo Spanos Dunfey, the president and executive director of Global Citizens Circle, a remarkable mentor and friend, reached out to me with an opportunity that filled me with excitement.

Theo’s email was concise but electrifying: there was a chance to attend the Constellation for Peace 2 (CP2) conference,organized by Catalyst for Peace and Fambul Tok, in Sierra Leone. As soon as I read the message, my curiosity led me to research the country, its civil war, and the groundbreaking reconciliation work that has occurred since. Sierra Leone endured a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002 that left unforgettable marks. However, the nation has also been an extraordinary testament to the power of reconciliation, community healing, and grassroots peacebuilding.

A Global Gathering of Peace Activists
Being part of a global gathering of peace activists was exciting. Delegates from across the world—Northern Ireland, Nepal, Germany, Gambia, and beyond came together to share their experiences and learn from one another. It was not only an opportunity to observe peacebuilding in action but also to play a part in the collective effort to imagine a more harmonious world.

I also shared my experiences with Peace Initiative Bhutan—a newly minted organization to foster peace and reconciliation with Bhutan through sincere dialogue. We do not believe in ushering in positive peace by defeating the other side, as we have spent more than three decades with that intention. Now, with the establishment of Peace Initiative Bhutan, we want to create a win-win solution where both parties emerge into dialogue in a mutually respectful environment for the betterment of the affected people. 

When I arrived in Sierra Leone, we boarded a bus to Freetow followed by a ferry to our final destination. Our journey across the water felt significant and transforming; I felt I was crossing a bridge of new understanding and solidarity, from conflict to cooperation, understanding war      and division to unity. Accordingly, I, too, am transforming from an individual with my own concerns about Bhutan to a global citizen with an appreciation for and commitment to peacebuilding worldwide.    

Immersion and Learning in Villages
Our schedule included traveling to villages badly affected by the civil war. I looked forward to this part of the trip the most—meeting people who had experienced the war firsthand and hearing their stories of loss, survival, and reconciliation. Each of the villages we visited symbolized a testament to human toughness and community’s transformative power.

In one of the villages, I encountered a woman who had lost all her family members to the war. Despite her unthinkable pain, she had become a community leader and “Peace Mother,”     championing dialogue and healing among former combatants and victims. Her story made me shed tears but also gave me a renewed sense of purpose in my own journey as a peacebuilder. Something she said will stay with me for eternity: “Forgiveness is not easy, but it is the only way forward.”

Witnessing a traditional ceremony where community members publicly forgave one another and committed to rebuilding trust was yet another indelible experience. These ceremonies are rooted in Sierra Leone's culture and traditions; they also offer a powerful example of how local practices can be integral to peacebuilding.

Insights and Takeaways
I learned a lot from the conference and the village visits. Peacebuilding is not a one-stop endeavor; it requires humility, listening, and a willingness to adapt to the needs and contexts of the people involved. I heard stories about pain and also about the courage to heal and move forward. Those stories reminded me that reconciliation is not a destination but a journey—one that demands patience and steady commitment.

Building a Global Network for Peace
Aside from the lessons, the trip was an opportunity to build relationships with peacebuilders from around the world. During meals and conversations, we exchanged ideas, strategies, and dreams for a more peaceful future. These connections are a source of hope and remind us that we are not alone in this work.

On my way back from Freetown at the end of the trip, I felt an immense sense of gratitude—for the chance to be part of something larger than myself, for the people who shared their stories, and for the global community of peacebuilders I am now privileged to call friends. This journey to Sierra Leone was both a professional milestone and a profoundly personal one, confirming my belief in the power of human connection and the possibility of a more peaceful world.

I am returning home not just with stories and lessons but with a revitalized commitment to continue the work of peacebuilding and reconciliation. Although long, the road ahead promises hope, healing, and transformation.

Part I of this blog may be found here.

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Suraj Budathoki is the co-founder and president of Peace Initiative Bhutan, which is committed to fostering positive change in Bhutan through reconciliation. His organization partners with Global Citizens Circle, collaborating to share resources and knowledge in peacebuilding through sincere dialogue. In addition to his peace work, Suraj is a doctoral student in Transformative Social Change at Saybrook University in California, and he was recently elected to serve in the NH State House of Representatives. 

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Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle.

Reconciliation is not a destination but a journey—one that demands patience and steady commitment.  
​                                                                             - Suraj Budathoki