BY
MS. HAWA SAMAI
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY INDEPENDENT COMMISSION FOR PEACE AND NATIONAL COHESION SIERRA LEONE
Mr. President,
Distinguished United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members,
Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies, and Gentlemen.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and commend the leadership of the current President of the UNSC for August 2024, whose dedication and efforts have been instrumental in advancing the Council’s peacebuilding and conflict prevention agenda.
It is an honour to address the UNSC today by sharing Sierra Leone’s remarkable journey from conflict to peace, from instability to stability, from under-development to development, a story that stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of commitment, dialogue, and inclusive peacebuilding. Our experience underscores the importance of inclusive peacebuilding, inspiring us all to adopt similar approaches in our respective peacebuilding efforts.
Sierra Leone stands as a remarkable example of a successful post-conflict transition, marking 22 years since the end of its brutal civil war in 2002. The nation’s progress, which has far exceeded the predictions of everyone including the international community, showcases the effectiveness of its peacebuilding efforts and offers valuable best practices and lessons learned for other conflict-affected regions. This transformation, driven by a strong political will, societal commitment, and innovative peacebuilding strategies, demonstrates that even the most devastated nations can rise again through concerted efforts, including the invaluable support of the international community.
Critical Factors in Sierra Leone’s Peacebuilding Success
One of the fundamental pillars of Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding success has been the unwavering political will and commitment from all parties to dialogue. This dedication to attain conclusive dialogue created a strong foundation for sustainable peace and reconciliation. Concretely from the conclusion of the Abidjan peace Accord to Lomé and Abuja Peace Agreements, the internal Bintumani Conferences, and the recent Agreement for National Unity, Sierra Leone has demonstrated a consistent commitment to dialogue to resolve disputes and disagreements.
Establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in July 2002 was pivotal in this journey. Driven by civil society with significant leadership from women, the TRC played a critical role in identifying the root causes of the war and recommending comprehensive systemic reforms. The TRC’s October 2004 report emphasised the need for structural changes and encouraged dialogue at all societal levels, setting a clear path for Sierra Leone’s recovery.
The TRC’s work was not just a procedural necessity but a deeply transformative process that healed the wounds of war through truth-telling, accountability, and recommendations for systemic reforms. This transformative nature of the TRC’s work underscored the depth of the healing process and the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people. Women’s participation in this process was particularly noteworthy, as it not only highlighted the vital role of women and youth in peacebuilding but also empowered them, emphasizing the importance of inclusive approaches to conflict resolution and conflict prevention.
Structural Reforms and Recommendations
Implementing the TRC’s recommendations was instrumental in transforming Sierra Leone into a stable and peaceful nation. Key reforms included the establishment of the National Youth Commission, addressing the high number of ex-combatants among youth and children, and the creation of the Human Rights Commission. The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) oversaw reparations, while the Anti-Corruption Commission tackled systemic corruption. The Office of National Security (ONS) was set up to coordinate national security, alongside justice and security sector reforms that modernised the Sierra Leone Police and Military.
Furthermore, establishing peace infrastructure and enacting significant legislation such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, Child Rights Act, Domestic Violence Act, Anti-Trafficking Act and Repelling of the death penalty, amongst others were pivotal in fostering a just and equitable society. These efforts culminated in a public presidential apology to women for wartime atrocities, acknowledging their suffering and committing to ongoing reforms. These legislative and institutional reforms were not mere formalities but reflected a deep-seated commitment to creating a society that respects human rights, promotes gender equality, and ensures justice and security for all its citizens.
Establishment and Role of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion
In 2020, Sierra Leone established the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) as part of broader efforts to prevent, manage, and mitigate conflicts. This policy action forms part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 16 target to build peaceful and inclusive societies, and answers the call of the UN Secretary-General’s in his New Agenda for Peace on conflict prevention at the national level. The Commission’s unique leadership, with a woman at its helm and significant female representation among its staff and board directors, underscores the vital role of women in national peacebuilding efforts. The ICPNC’s three-year strategic plan emphasises a people-centered, community-owned, and driven approach, collaborating with local actors, including traditional and religious leaders, civil society, women, youth and persons with disabilities groups, and security agencies.
The establishment of the ICPNC marked a significant evolution in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding architecture and embodies the principles of UNSC Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. The Commission’s comprehensive and holistic approach aims to address the root causes of conflict and build sustainable peace through inclusive, participatory processes. By engaging a wide range of local actors, the ICPNC ensures that peacebuilding efforts are grounded in the realities and needs of communities.
Capacity Building and Early Warning Mechanisms
The ICPNC has made significant strides in establishing district NGO and CSO peace coalitions and early warning and response mechanisms across all 16 districts in Sierra Leone. These initiatives involve peace monitors and mediators, with gender balance and inclusivity being a priority. The Commission has also set up an early warning and response Situation Room with a call centre operated by young women. This system is both continental and regional as it is integrated with the African Union (AU) and West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) systems. The Commission’s preventive diplomacy efforts have successfully resolved intra- and inter-party disputes and other societal conflicts, showcasing the effectiveness of proactive conflict management.
Establishing these mechanisms is a testament to Sierra Leone’s commitment to proactive conflict prevention. In training peace monitors and mediators and creating early warning and response systems, the ICPNC ensures that potential conflicts are identified and addressed before they escalate. This approach not only prevents violence but also builds communities’ capacity to manage conflicts independently, fostering resilience, self-reliance and national cohesion.
Lessons Learned and Recommendations
One crucial lesson from Sierra Leone’s experience is the importance of community-owned and driven conflict prevention, which helps resolve conflicts before they escalate. Capacity training is essential for the permanent functioning of peace structures. A proactive, post-conflict, gendered and inclusive lens is vital for effective conflict prevention, and staying apolitical is crucial for accessibility and trust among all key players. Networking with national and international partners has proven to be a significant strength.
The government and donors must recognise and support national peace infrastructure. Effective communication is critical in the age of artificial intelligence and misinformation; donors should invest more in research, communication and dialogue as crucial conflict prevention strategies.
Sierra Leone’s experience underscores the importance of comprehensive, inclusive approaches to peacebuilding. The integration of gender perspectives, the involvement of the youth and persons with disabilities, and the emphasis on local ownership and participation are crucial elements that have contributed to the country’s success. These lessons are relevant for Sierra Leone and offer valuable insights for other post-conflict and conflict-prone countries.
The Role of the United Nations
The UN has been indispensable in ensuring Sierra Leone enjoys lasting peace. Through its peacekeeping missions, the UN provided crucial security and stability during the immediate post-war period. The UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), deployed from 1999 to 2005, was instrumental in disarming combatants, facilitating the return of refugees, and supporting the government in restoring authority and rebuilding institutions. The UN’s continued support, including the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, has been and continues to be a key factor in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding success.
The UN continued to support Sierra Leone through the Integrated Office for Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) and the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL). These missions focused on consolidating peace, supporting good governance, and promoting human rights and the rule of law. Additionally, the UN Peacebuilding Commission has been actively engaged in Sierra Leone, providing financial and technical support to various peacebuilding initiatives, including the work of the ICPNC.
Conclusion
The political will and commitment to peace from the government are paramount for a successful peace process. Conflict prevention requires the thorough implementation of agreements and recommendations to avoid a relapse into violence. By sharing Sierra Leone’s journey and lessons learned, we can reinforce the critical elements of effective peacebuilding and conflict prevention, highlighting the significant roles that women and youth play in sustaining peace.
Sierra Leone’s journey from conflict to peace offers a powerful narrative of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of inclusive peacebuilding. Reflecting on its experiences, we are reminded that sustainable peace is achievable through collective efforts, strong political will, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict. Let Sierra Leone’s story inspire and guide our efforts to build a more peaceful and just world.
I want to commend the Sierra Leone presidency of the UNSC, for reflecting deep commitment to multilateralism and peacebuilding.
Thank you.
