The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, conferred the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel upon Lieutenant General (Rtd) Daniel Opande during the Sierra Leone Armed Forces Day and Investiture Ceremony held on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Opande was decorated in recognition of his sacrifice, contribution, and outstanding service—together with other Kenyan soldiers—towards the restoration of peace and stability in the Republic of Sierra Leone. His successful leadership in the disarmament of rebel forces played a pivotal role in bringing the civil war to an end and restoring lasting peace in the country.
In his remarks, Lt Gen (Rtd) Opande dedicated the award to all Kenyan soldiers currently serving in various peace support missions across the globe.
He is widely acknowledged as a central figure in Sierra Leone’s journey to peace, having served as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) from November 2000 to 2003. During this period, he led one of the United Nations’ most complex and demanding peacekeeping operations, helping stabilize the war-torn nation and guide it toward recovery.
Throughout his distinguished military career, Lieutenant General Opande also commanded peacekeeping operations in Namibia, Mozambique, and Liberia, further cementing his legacy as a respected leader in international peace and security efforts.
The event marks the anniversary of the official declaration of the end of the Sierra Leone Civil War in 2002.
The holiday serves to appreciate and recognise the sacrifices of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), including those who served in the World Wars, the decade-long civil war of the 1990s, and current international peacekeeping missions.
Celebrations typically include military parades and ceremonies presided over by the President, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief.
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