Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/01. Africa • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of Sierra Leone (AI-generated, sourced to Wikipedia).
Chronological Storyline (27 Milestones)
1000 BCE
Early Iron Age settlements
Archaeological evidence indicates iron-using agricultural communities inhabited the coastal and inland regions of present-day Sierra Leone by the late first millennium BCE. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063
Aug 1, 1462 CE
Portuguese reach Sierra Leone
Portuguese explorer Pedro da Sintra mapped the mountainous coastline and named it 'Serra Leoa' (Lion Mountains) after the shape of its hills. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063
May 1, 1787 CE
Province of Freedom founded
British abolitionists established a settlement for freed Black slaves and poor Black people from London near the Sierra Leone River, initially called the Province of Freedom. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Province of Freedom founded By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156538328
Mar 1, 1792 CE
Freetown established
About 1,200 formerly enslaved African Americans who had fled to Nova Scotia during the American Revolution arrived and founded Freetown under the Sierra Leone Company. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Aerial view of Freetown, Sierra Leone, a helicopter expedition to Lungii airport, over the Freetown Harbour. By David Hond - Freetown From the Air, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3502766
1808 CE
Crown Colony established
The British government assumed direct control of the Freetown settlement, establishing the Colony of Sierra Leone and using it as a base for anti-slavery naval operations. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Flag of Sierra Leone 1914-1961 By Pbroks13 - https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/s/sl~1916.gif; File:Government Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79229361
Feb 1, 1827 CE
Fourah Bay College founded
The Church Missionary Society established Fourah Bay College in Freetown, which became the first western-style university in West Africa and earned the city the nickname 'Athens of West Africa.' Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
FBC shield By AlexD~commonswiki - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62508868
Aug 1, 1896 CE
Protectorate proclaimed
Britain declared a protectorate over the interior of Sierra Leone, bringing the Temne, Mende, and other indigenous peoples under formal colonial administration for the first time. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Flag of Sierra Leone 1914-1961 By Pbroks13 - https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/s/sl~1916.gif; File:Government Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79229361
Feb 1, 1898 CE
Hut Tax War erupts
Indigenous resistance to the colonial hut tax and house tax sparked armed uprisings in the protectorate, led by Temne chief Bai Bureh in the north and Mende chiefs in the south. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
"Bai Bureh, Chief of the Timini when a prisoner at Sierra Leone in 1898. An original photograph by Lieutenant Arthur Greer West India Regiment who died August 7, 1900, when storming a blockade after the relief of Kumassie." By Lieutenant Arthur Greer - http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/archives/57097, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28429122
1924 CE
Diamonds discovered
Significant alluvial diamond deposits were discovered in the Kono District, which would later become central to Sierra Leone's economy and a source of conflict. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Diamond miners panning in the Kono District of Sierra Leone By USAID - http://africaphotos.usaid.gov/search_details.cfm?Keyword_ID=345&Country_ID=28&Sector_ID=10&Photo_ID=1767&StartRow=16, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14670314
1951 CE
SLPP founded
The Sierra Leone People's Party was established under the leadership of Milton Margai, becoming the dominant political force advocating for independence. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063
Apr 27, 1961 CE
Independence achieved
Sierra Leone gained independence from Britain within the Commonwealth, with Sir Milton Margai as its first prime minister. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063Video
Mar 1, 1967 CE
First contested elections
The All People's Congress led by Siaka Stevens won the general election, but military coups and counter-coups prevented him from taking office until the following year. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
free version of the Sierra Leone CoA By Lion héraldique.svg - Bluebear2 Heraldique meuble lion passant.svg - Rinaldum, S@m, Zigeuner Coat of arms of Haiti (1964-1986).svg - Thommy9 derivative work: Yuma - from description found at Coat of arms of Sierra Leone; made using files: *Lion héraldique.svg *Heraldique meuble lion passant.svg; palm branches from Coat of arms of Haiti (1964-1986).svg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6883796
Apr 1, 1968 CE
Stevens takes power
After a period of military rule, Siaka Stevens was restored to office as prime minister following a counter-coup by junior military officers. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Siaka Stevens, President of Sierra Leone, made an official visit to the CEC. This visit represents the first visit by a Head of State of Sierra Leone to CCE. By European Communities, 1979 / EC - Audiovisual Service - Visit of Siaka Stevens, President of Sierra Leone, to the CEC, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=171032655
Apr 1, 1971 CE
Republic declared
Sierra Leone became a republic with Siaka Stevens as its first executive president, severing formal ties to the British monarchy. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063
Jun 1, 1978 CE
One-party state declared
A new constitution made the All People's Congress the sole legal political party, consolidating Siaka Stevens's authoritarian rule over the country. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
free version of the Sierra Leone CoA By Lion héraldique.svg - Bluebear2 Heraldique meuble lion passant.svg - Rinaldum, S@m, Zigeuner Coat of arms of Haiti (1964-1986).svg - Thommy9 derivative work: Yuma - from description found at Coat of arms of Sierra Leone; made using files: *Lion héraldique.svg *Heraldique meuble lion passant.svg; palm branches from Coat of arms of Haiti (1964-1986).svg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6883796
Mar 23, 1991 CE
Civil war begins
The Revolutionary United Front, led by Foday Sankoh and backed by Liberia's Charles Taylor, launched an armed rebellion from Liberia, beginning a decade-long civil war. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Lt. Col. en:Robert C. MacKenzie (standing, wings on hat) with some of the Sierra Leone Commando Unit he was training with the Gurkha Security Guards. Lt Andy Myers is 2nd from left, kneeling. Photo courtesy of Sibyl MacKenzie. By The original uploader was Kguirnela at English Wikipedia. - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3708385
Mar 1, 1996 CE
Kabbah elected president
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah won Sierra Leone's first multiparty presidential election, ending years of military rule, but the civil war continued. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Visit of Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, President of Sierra Leone, to the EC By Christian Lambiotte / European Communities - https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/photo-details/P-009158~2F00-1, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148155153
May 1, 1997 CE
Military coup ousts Kabbah
Major Johnny Paul Koroma led a military coup that overthrew President Kabbah, prompting international condemnation and ECOMOG intervention. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063
Jul 1, 1999 CE
Lomé Peace Accord signed
The government and the RUF signed a peace accord in Lomé, Togo, granting the RUF cabinet positions and a controversial amnesty, but fighting soon resumed. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063
May 1, 2000 CE
British military intervention
British forces launched Operation Palliser to evacuate foreign nationals and stabilize the country, ultimately helping defeat the RUF and secure the peace process. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063
Jan 1, 2002 CE
Civil war declared over
President Kabbah officially declared the Sierra Leone Civil War over after the disarmament and demobilization of more than 47,000 ex-combatants. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Lt. Col. en:Robert C. MacKenzie (standing, wings on hat) with some of the Sierra Leone Commando Unit he was training with the Gurkha Security Guards. Lt Andy Myers is 2nd from left, kneeling. Photo courtesy of Sibyl MacKenzie. By The original uploader was Kguirnela at English Wikipedia. - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3708385
Jul 1, 2002 CE
TRC established
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission began hearings to document human rights abuses committed during the civil war and promote national healing. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
The flag of Sierra Leone By Zscout370 - Own work using: http://www.parliament.gov.sl/AboutUs/ConstitutionofSierraLeone.aspx (Chapter I, Section 3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433063
Sep 1, 2007 CE
Koroma elected president
Ernest Bai Koroma of the APC won the presidential runoff election, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between parties since independence. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
(L-R) Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP and the President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma share an 'Ebola' handshake. DEFENCE Secretary, Michael Fallon, has said that UK personnel have made a vital contribution to tackle Ebola By Ministry of Defence - http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?folderid=5000&columns=4&rows=7&search=((20022015A)), OGL 3, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38849110
May 1, 2014 CE
Ebola outbreak declared
Sierra Leone confirmed its first cases of Ebola virus disease, beginning an epidemic that killed over 3,900 people in the country by 2016. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
A map showing Sierra Leone's cities, main towns, selected villages and highest point. By Kelisi at English Wikipedia - This map's source is here, with the uploader's modifications, and the GMT homepage says that the tools are released under the GNU General Public License., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26856261
Aug 14, 2017 CE
Freetown mudslide disaster
A massive mudslide in the Regent area of Freetown killed over 1,100 people and left thousands homeless, one of Africa's worst natural disasters in recent history. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Kumba. from Freetown, Sierra Leone is the girl on the 2018 Trocaire Box. Her family home and many others were destroyed when a devastating landslide hit on August 14, 2017. Photo: Mark Stedman. By Trocaire from Ireland - 026, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66512960
Apr 1, 2018 CE
Maada Bio inaugurated
Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party was sworn in as president after defeating the ruling APC candidate in a closely contested runoff election. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Visit of Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, to the European Commission By European Commission - https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/photo/P-060230~2F00-01, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=128791214
Jun 1, 2023 CE
Maada Bio re-elected
President Julius Maada Bio won a second term in a disputed election, with the opposition APC rejecting the results amid concerns raised by international observers. Source — Wikipedia, "Sierra Leone":
Results of the 2023 Sierra Leone parliamentary election results by district By AzureStuff - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150086786
