By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The International Peace Moral Guarantors held a pivotal meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Thursday 17th October, 2024 at the Bintumani Conference Center in Aberdeen to review the progress of last year’s peace agreement and discuss strategies for its implementation ahead of the forthcoming elections. Facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, the meeting sought to address concerns raised by the CSOs and to outline the next steps for fostering a stable political climate in Sierra Leone.
Prominent Civil Society Groups in attendance included CRN-SL, CHRDI, 50/50, NDMHR, HRDN, Marwopnet, CARL-SL, NDI, Slango, Action Aid, Civil Society Movement, WANEP-SL and Christian Aid. Representatives from these organizations expressed their views on the ongoing peace process, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, open dialogue and effective communication among all parties involved.
During the discussions, CSOs highlighted the significant role of youth in fostering peaceful dialogue and called for support to enable constructive conversations in their communities. They also recognized positive developments, such as the establishment of cross-party dialogue and the joint commitment to non-violence by both Government and opposition leaders. However, CSO representatives cautioned that public skepticism about recent election outcomes could impede further progress toward unity, stressing the need for transparency in executing the peace agreement.
A recurring theme among the CSO representatives was the necessity of involving all stakeholders in decision-making processes to ensure inclusivity. They warned against altering political procedures midway, noting that such actions could erode public trust and diminish participation. Additionally, constitutional reform was identified as a pressing issue, with calls for a consultative process that addresses deep-seated challenges and guarantees the rights of all citizens.
Concerns were also raised regarding rising incidents of sexual and gender-based violence targeting women in politics. The CSOs urged major political parties to collaborate on initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive political environment, particularly for women. They pointed out the challenges posed by conflicting customary and national laws and advocated for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms to support women in politics.
Following these remarks, the International Peace Moral Guarantors responded to the concerns raised by the Civil Society Groups, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the challenges faced during the peace process. Key international figures, including former Vice President of The Gambia, H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General, H.E. Leonardo Santo Simao, delivered statements at the gathering, reinforcing the importance of communication and collaboration for sustainable peace in Sierra Leone.
In her address, Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang emphasized the crucial role of communication in building a cohesive civil society, particularly in the implementation of the National Unity Agreement. She highlighted that the gaps in communication between Government entities, political parties, CSOs and the public have created barriers to progress, leading to frustration and skepticism among the populace.
“The communication gap is a major challenge, creating mistrust between stakeholders and the public. We must improve communication channels to enhance understanding and collaboration among all parties,” she asserted, calling for an institutional mechanism to improve communication.
The former Vice President also criticized some political leaders for failing to communicate transparently with their supporters, noting that such actions foster fear and insecurity. She underscored the need for accountability and transparency, especially when monitoring and implementing the peace agreement’s recommendations. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of initiatives like the 50/50 strategy to support women’s participation in politics, stressing the need for committed women leaders who can advocate for women’s causes.
H.E. Leonardo Santo Simao, in his remarks, acknowledged the progress Sierra Leone has made in creating a more peaceful political atmosphere, crediting the collaborative efforts of citizens, political parties and CSOs.
“Peace and stability are the bedrock of economic progress,” he noted, commending the strides Sierra Leone has taken towards achieving peace. He emphasized the importance of regional knowledge-sharing, encouraging Sierra Leone to share its experiences with neighboring nations who face similar electoral challenges.
The UN Special Representative reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for regional cooperation, especially among women leaders and stressed the need for continued efforts to address issues like electoral violence against women. “Member states, civil society organizations and the media must work together to overcome these hurdles and make Sierra Leone a better place to live,” he stated. He also praised the collaborative efforts to implement recommendations from recent peace agreements and stressed the significance of maintaining progress despite ongoing challenges.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the International Peace Moral Guarantors to continue supporting the peace process, while CSO representatives expressed their readiness to work collaboratively towards a more inclusive and peaceful Sierra Leone.
