Sierra Leone awards top national honour to retired Kenyan General Daniel Opande

The Government of Sierra Leone has conferred one of its highest national honours on retired Kenyan military officer Daniel Ishmael Opande, recognizing his exceptional leadership during the country’s most turbulent chapter.

Lieutenant General (Rtd) Opande, who served as Force Commander of the United Nations Military Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel (GCOR) during the Armed Forces Day and Investiture Ceremony held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Freetown.

The prestigious decoration honours General Opande’s decisive and steady command at a time when Sierra Leone was emerging from a brutal civil war that devastated communities and institutions.

Under his leadership, UNAMSIL played a critical role in the disarmament and demobilization of combatants, the protection of civilians, and the re-establishment of state authority across large parts of the country.

Government officials praised General Opande for combining firm military strategy with diplomatic tact, noting that his approach helped build trust between international forces, national institutions, and local communities.

His tenure is widely credited with accelerating the transition from conflict to lasting peace and stability.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sierra Leonean authorities described the award as a symbol of the nation’s enduring gratitude to a commander whose service went beyond duty, helping legacy wounds to heal and laying the foundation for reconciliation and national recovery.

The honor also underscores Sierra Leone’s recognition of the vital role played by international peacekeepers and African military leaders in resolving conflicts on the continent.

For many Sierra Leoneans, General Opande remains a respected figure whose leadership helped turn the tide from war toward hope and renewal.