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 INDEPENDENT COMMISSION FOR PEACE AND NATIONAL COHESION (ICPNC)
Sierra Leone's turbulent past, marred by a decade-long civil war from 1991 to 2002 and further rocked by the Ebola epidemic a decade later, left profound scars on the nation. With over 50,000 casualties in the civil war and 4,000 lives lost to Ebola, the country faced significant challenges in rebuilding social cohesion and pursuing peacebuilding initiatives at both local and national levels.
In the wake of these devastating events, meaningful engagement in peacebuilding and state-building processes proved challenging. However, following the election of President Julius Maada Bio in 2018, a new era of hope emerged. President Bio recognized the urgent need for fostering peace and national cohesion and thus called for the establishment of an Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.
This initiative culminated in the development of a Green Paper, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Commission. Through extensive consultations and dialogue involving political parties, the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, the media, and the international community, the Commission's mandate was shaped. The functions of the Commission, as outlined in the Bintumanu III Dialogue Green Paper and its Act of 2020, focus on conflict prevention, mediation and resolution, and public education.
Notably, the Commission is tasked with adopting recommendations from key reports such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (TRC) and the Constitutional Review Report, further solidifying its role in addressing past grievances and fostering reconciliation.
The establishment of the Commission is not only a significant milestone for Sierra Leone but also aligns with broader regional and continental mandates to strengthen early warning and response mechanisms. In this regard, the Commission has received crucial technical assistance from organizations such as the AU-PAPS, GIZ, UNDP, Irish Aid, and UN-Women. This support has been instrumental in setting up the Commission's Situation Room, enhancing its capacity for early warning and response.
However, as a nascent institution, the Commission recognizes the need for comprehensive technical expertise, particularly in its two key pillars: Mediation and Reconciliation, and Early Warning and Early Response. Moving forward, the Commission remains committed to its Strategy for the Promotion of Peace and National Cohesion in Sierra Leone (2022-2024), working tirelessly to consolidate peace and foster unity in the nation.
VISION
A Sierra Leone that is just, peaceful, and cohesive
MISSION
To facilitate peaceful co-existence, equity, and inclusivity.
To build a network of competencies for conflict prevention, resolution, and management for national development.
Leadership of the ICPNC
The Commission boasts a well-constituted Board representing diverse regions of Sierra Leone, alongside representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Inter-Religious Council. At the helm of the Commission is the Executive Secretary, providing strategic leadership and direction. Supporting the Executive Secretary is the Deputy Executive Secretary, who deputizes in the absence of the ES and collaborates closely in steering the Commission's initiatives forward.
The Commission is organized into six directorates as follows:
- Directorate of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research
- Directorate of Conflict Prevention
- Directorate of Conflict Mediation and Resolution:
- Directorate of Human Resources and Administration
- Directorate of Finance
- Directorate of Communications
Together, these directorates form the backbone of the Commission, enabling it to effectively carry out its mission of promoting peace, reconciliation, and national cohesion in Sierra Leone.
CONTACT DETAILS |
Executive Secretary:
Ms. Hawa Sally Samai
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32 Walpole Street, P.O. BOX 29, Freetown
35a Lightfoot Boston Street, Freetown
Telephone: +23276603159
Email: hassamai@yahoo.com
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