What challenges confront the peacebuilding agenda in Africa? To what extent have peacebuilding measures been undertaken in conflict-ridden African states? This article from African Security Review examines the challenges, extent and achievement of peacebuilding in Sierra Leone and assesses the prospects for sustainable peace. The experience of Sierra Leone demonstrates growing international recognition that peacebuilding should be an essential part of any multinational peacekeeping operation in Africa. While many positive developments have strengthened the prospects for long-term peace in Sierra Leone, several problems still need to be urgently addressed.
Peacebuilding requires a willingness to make a difference on the ground in order to prevent conflicts or to establish conditions for sustainable security and development. The post-conflict peacebuilding process in Sierra Leone recognised this, taking a human security approach based on rule of law, social justice and freedom from fear. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has focused on addressing root causes of conflict in the country, concentrating on democracy, poverty reduction and peace and development.
In October 1999 the UN Security Council established the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). UNAMSIL enjoyed considerable success and helped to bring about several significant developments in the peacebuilding process, including:
- the holding of peaceful elections, in which the Revolutionary United Front participated, demonstrating commitment to democracy, and which involved significant levels of public engagement;
- the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address impunity, break the cycle of violence and promote national reconciliation;
- the establishment of a Special UN Court to prosecute those who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law in the country;
- the disarmament and demobilisation of 75,000 former combatants, including 6,000 child soldiers, who were reintegrated back into society; and
- delivery of humanitarian assistance to refugees, consolidation of civil authority, promotion of good governance and human rights, and restoration of the legal system.
Sierra Leone nevertheless remains in a precarious state and needs the help of the international community to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development. Several problems need to be addressed urgently:
- Around two million youths, many of whom are former combatants, are unemployed and may take up arms again. A vibrant private sector is needed to transform the economy and create employment opportunities.
- Sierra Leone’s armed forces are supposed to guard the peace process, but suffer from a serious lack of logistical support, equipment and accommodation. The security sector must be strengthened to allow the armed forces to function effectively.
- The devolution of authority to district and town level remains a serious challenge. Devolution is necessary to reconnect the centre with rural communities and promote socio-economic development and community participation.
- Progress in the justice sector remains slow. Efforts to step up the judiciary and increased attention to the promotion of human rights are also of great importance to support social and economic transformation.
