In preparation for the upcoming ICIC/IDUAI 2026 Conference, scheduled to take place in Freetown on 28th, 29th, and 30th September 2026, the host institution, the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) of Sierra Leone, is actively engaging relevant government authorities to facilitate historic excursion sites to be visited by the international participants. To enable the Conference secretariat to arrange these excursions for our international guests, we are calling on all participants to register for the conference by the 31st July, 2026 by completing the registration form--Registration Form Following are the three excursion sites we have set aside for our international guests following the closing of the final day of the conference on the 30th September, 2026 at 2 pm:
Bunce Island
Bunce Island is one of Sierra Leone’s most significant historical landmarks, offering visitors a deeply reflective and educational experience. Located approximately 30 kilometres upriver from Freetown, the island sits within the Sierra Leone River estuary and can be reached in about 45 minutes by speedboat from the capital. Most visits are arranged through guided tours.
Despite its modest size—just 600 metres long—Bunce Island played a major role in the transatlantic slave trade. It was first used by Portuguese traders in the 1500s and later fortified by English slave traders in 1670. For over 140 years, until the abolition of the slave trade by Britain in 1809, the island served as one of the principal centres where enslaved Africans were detained before being transported across the Atlantic. Historical estimates suggest that more than 30,000 Africans passed through Bunce Island, many destined for plantations in the Americas, particularly in the southern United States.
Today, visitors can explore the remains of what was once the largest slave fort in Sierra Leone. The ruins—gradually being reclaimed by tropical vegetation—include the old slave castle, holding areas where captives were confined, workers’ quarters, and a small cemetery. A particularly poignant site is the “Door of No Return,” through which thousands of enslaved Africans made their final departure from their homeland.
Following the abolition of the slave trade, Bunce Island was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It is now a protected heritage site under the Monuments and Relics Commission, with ongoing efforts to preserve its structures and historical significance.
Guided tours typically last a few hours and are led by knowledgeable local guides who provide historical context and interpretation. Visiting Bunce Island is often described as a powerful and emotional experience, especially for people of African descent. Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect and sensitivity, refraining from inappropriate photography or behaviour among the ruins. For more information on visiting Bunce Island and other attractions in Sierra Leone, please visit: https://tourismsierraleone.com
TACUGAMA CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a leading conservation and eco-tourism destination located on the outskirts of Freetown, within the lush forests of the Western Area Peninsula National Park. Established in 1995 by conservationists Bala Amarasekaran and Sharmila Amarasekaran, the sanctuary was founded to enforce wildlife protection laws and to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and endangered Western chimpanzees.
Today, Tacugama is home to nearly 100 rescued chimpanzees and has evolved into a multifaceted conservation organisation. Beyond its sanctuary work, it plays a vital role in community outreach, wildlife research, environmental sustainability, conservation education, and the promotion of alternative livelihoods for surrounding communities.
Visitors to Tacugama can experience a unique blend of conservation and nature-based tourism. The sanctuary offers guided tours that provide insight into chimpanzee rehabilitation and conservation efforts, as well as opportunities to explore the surrounding rainforest. As an eco-tourism hub, Tacugama also features six eco-lodges and a range of activities suitable for both international visitors and residents of Freetown. A visit to Tacugama provides not only an opportunity to observe Sierra Leone’s rich biodiversity but also to engage with one of West Africa’s most impactful conservation initiatives. For more information, please visit: https://www.tacugama.com
Sierra Leone Peace Museum
The Sierra Leone Peace Museum – A Journey Through History and Reconciliation. “The contrasting forms of the mothers is to bring attention to the displaced, both internal and external. One mother running away and the other distraught with grief and staying fixed to one spot.”
Sierra Leone Peace Museum is a powerful national institution dedicated to preserving the history of Sierra Leone’s civil conflict and promoting a future grounded in peace and accountability. Opened in 2013, just over a decade after the end of the country’s war, the museum is located on the historic grounds of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
The museum serves as a place of reflection, remembrance, and education. Its core mission is to collect, preserve, and share the history of the conflict, while honouring the victims and educating present and future generations on the importance of justice, accountability, and sustainable peace.
The establishment of the Peace Museum forms part of the legacy initiatives of the Special Court, alongside projects such as the National Witness Protection Unit and the Archiving Development Programme. Proposed by the Government of Sierra Leone in 2010, the museum was envisioned as a permanent site to house the archives of both the Special Court and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, while narrating the story of the country’s decade-long conflict and its path to recovery.
Developed in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and a range of national and international partners, the museum reflects a shared commitment to preserving history and strengthening peacebuilding efforts. Its design and establishment were guided by a legacy committee comprising key stakeholders, including the Office of the President, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and civil society organisations.
A visit to the Sierra Leone Peace Museum offers a meaningful and educational experience, providing insight into the country’s past while reinforcing the collective responsibility to uphold peace and prevent future conflict. For more information, please visit: https://rscsl.org.peace-meseum
