By Amin Kef (Ranger)
At a significant session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday August 21, 2024 in New York, Hawa Sally Samai, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), underscored Sierra Leone’s remarkable transformation from a nation ravaged by civil war to a beacon of peace and resilience.
Addressing the Council, she highlighted Sierra Leone’s 22-year journey since the end of its brutal civil war in 2002 also emphasizing that the country’s progress, far surpassing initial predictions showcases the power of inclusive peacebuilding and offers valuable lessons for other conflict-affected regions.
In her remarks, Hawa Sally Samai commended the leadership of the UNSC’s President for August 2024, praising their dedication to advancing peacebuilding and conflict prevention. “It is an honour to share Sierra Leone’s experience today,” she stated, stressing that the nation’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of commitment, dialogue and inclusive peacebuilding.
The ICPNC Executive Secretary detailed the critical factors behind Sierra Leone’s successful post-conflict transition. According to her, key to this success has been the unwavering commitment to dialogue, as exemplified by various peace agreements and conferences, including the Abidjan Peace Accord, Lomé and Abuja Peace Agreements and the recent Agreement for National Unity.
She maintained that the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2002 was pivotal intimating how its report in 2004 called for systemic reforms and emphasized dialogue, playing a crucial role in the healing process.
Hawa Sally Samai noted the significant contribution of women and civil society in leading those efforts noting that such highlighted the importance of inclusive approaches to conflict resolution.
Implementing the TRC’s recommendations led to key reforms, such as the creation of the National Youth Commission and the Human Rights Commission, and efforts to address systemic corruption and modernize security sectors, she pointed out.
The Executive Secretary underscored how legislative measures, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act and the Domestic Violence Act further supported the creation of a just and equitable society.
Hawa Sally Samai highlighted the establishment of the ICPNC in 2020 as a crucial step in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding efforts informing that the Commission’s leadership, with significant female representation, reflects the vital role of women in peacebuilding.
The ICPNC’s Strategic Plan, she revealed, emphasizes community-driven approaches and collaboration with local actors, including traditional and religious leaders, civil society and security agencies.
She stated that the ICPNC has made notable strides in establishing peace coalitions and early warning mechanisms across Sierra Leone furthering how these efforts, including a Situation Room operated by young women, showcase the effectiveness of proactive conflict management and the importance of gender balance and inclusivity.
Hawa Sally Samai shared key lessons from Sierra Leone’s experience, including the significance of community-driven conflict prevention and the need for capacity training and effective communication. She called on the Government and donors to support national peace infrastructure and invest in research and dialogue as crucial conflict prevention strategies.
She also acknowledged the indispensable role of the UN in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding success maintaining that the UN’s peacekeeping missions, including UNAMSIL and subsequent support through UNIOSIL and UNIPSIL, were crucial in stabilizing the country and promoting good governance and human rights.
Ending her address, Hawa Sally Samai reiterated that Sierra Leone’s journey underscores the importance of strong political will, inclusive approaches and international support in achieving sustainable peace. She called for global efforts to build a more peaceful and just world, drawing inspiration from Sierra Leone’s transformative story.
The Executive Secretary’s address not only celebrated Sierra Leone’s achievements but also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peacebuilding and its role as an inspiring example for other nations.
