His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, accompanied by the First Lady, Her Excellency Dr Fatima Maada Bio, paid final respects to the late Talal Saleh Fawaz, also known as Junior Bio, on Monday, January 5, 2026. The Lebanese Islamic Cultural Association headquarters on Kingharman Road hosted the 61-year-old’s funeral prayers.
President Bio took advantage of the opportunity to thank Fawaz for his long-standing and unwavering support, especially during the President’s 2023 campaign. He described the late Fawaz as a devoted friend and supporter who remained committed throughout the campaign. “I am here to acknowledge and appreciate his many efforts during my campaign,” President Bio stated.
“He followed me wherever I went. He may have been a common man to many, but to me, he was a true supporter.”
Before his death, Talal Saleh Fawaz was a devoted supporter of the President and a firm believer in the Paopa movement, actively participating in campaign activities in several districts and chiefdoms. His appearance at political events and community engagements made him well-known among party supporters and the Sierra Leonean Lebanese population.
During the service, the Chief Imam led recitations of the Holy Qur’an, which were followed by the Janazah prayer for the dead. President Bio invoked Allah’s mercy on Fawaz, requesting that his sins be forgiven and his soul be granted eternal rest in Al-Jannah.
Mr Ahmed Hashim, popularly known as VIP, spoke on behalf of the Lebanese family in Sierra Leone, thanking the President, First Lady, government officials, and party stakeholders for attending the funeral and honouring the late Fawaz. He stated that the presence of the President and high-level guests reaffirmed the Lebanese community’s sense of belonging and recognition as valued Sierra Leone citizens.
Mourners gathered to comfort the bereaved family and remember the late supporter’s contributions to the political movement he loved. The ceremony provided an opportunity for communal prayer, reflection, and solidarity as relatives and friends remembered Talal Saleh Fawaz’s life and dedication.
