There is a need for more comprehensive solutions to wider security sector challenges in conflict resolution. This report, from the Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform, provides an overview of the security reforms that were implemented in Sierra Leone. It serves as a set of guidelines for practitioners supporting similar programmes in the future. It argues that the different elements of a Security Sector Reform (SSR) programme should be sequenced strategically.
SSR addresses the wider security infrastructure that exists within states. It includes efforts to decrease the availability of small arms and light weapons and efforts to strengthen civil society. Peacekeeping forces became involved in a number of these activities in Sierra Leone. It is necessary to recognise the impact of peacekeepers on conflict resolution and development at the planning stage.
Key findings from activities in Sierra Leone include:
- The participation of neighbouring countries was essential. This was particularly the case when attempting to halt the spread of small arms and light weapons and to secure the stability of the borders.
- Properly resourced police gained visibility and public support. A well respected international Inspector-General as interim head of the police minimised political interference and enabled effective liaising with the military.
- The Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Programme was the largest project supporting the peace process. Reintegration became the ‘poor relative’ of disarmament and demobilisation.
- The group disarmament approach is more effective than individual disarmament, because soldiers disarm more willingly when encouraged by their superiors.
- The Community Reintegration Programme worked with former combatants and war-affected and disadvantaged people. Although it was initially seen as in competition with the DDR programme, with good communication and coordination the activities complemented one another.
- A Central Intelligence and Security Unit was created in Sierra Leone. A quality approach to recruitment has resulted in the development of a highly motivated and intelligent young staff.
For an SSR programme to be sustainable and comprehensive, it is necessary to treat individual projects as part of a wider strategy. The separate elements must be sequenced strategically and the comprehensive strategy must be endorsed at the highest level of government. Some ideas proposed by experience in Sierra Leone:
- A National Security Strategy is an essential element of SSR. It provides direction and strategic objectives.
- Strategies for supporting civil society organisations should complement police reform. It is critical that all agents responsible for establishing a democratic rule of law are addressed simultaneously.
- Military reform should involve local officials and must meet local needs. Rebuilding the military must extend to the rebuilding of a transparent and accountable defence ministry.
- DDR is expensive and requires a good media policy, very clear terms and conditions and a single authority. There is need for an executive secretary working with a National Committee. Close cooperation with political and security organs of the international effort and reintegration programmes is also necessary.
- Reintegration is the most difficult part of the process. Focus needs to be on reintegration from the earliest phases of planning.
- Weapons and ammunition need to be collected and destroyed. Security forces should be trained on the control and handling of weapons.
