Sierra Leone's Commitment to Peace and Unity: A Progress Report from the ICPNC

Moses Margao, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), recently shed light on Sierra Leone's remarkable progress in fostering national unity and peace, particularly in the wake of the 2023 general elections.

Speaking on the nation's adherence to the 'Agreement for National Unity,' Margao detailed the government's steadfast efforts in implementing key provisions aimed at consolidating peace and inclusivity.

The 'Agreement for National Unity,' a crucial framework for post-election stability, commenced with a series of high-level discussions from October 16-18, 2023.

This initiative, born out of widespread post-election conflicts, saw the ICPNC collaborate with an array of international organizations including ECOWAS, the African Union, the UN, and UN Women.

The collective aim was to foster a national conversation and arrangement for lasting peace.

Margao outlined the key tenets of this agreement, demonstrating the government's commitment to each.

The first pillar required a clear public address from the President, a call for peace, promotion of unity, and inclusion – which, Margao confirmed, the President delivered.

The second crucial aspect involved the All People's Congress (APC) ending its non-political participation in governance. Margao stated that the ICPNC actively followed up with the APC and its stakeholders, confirming their positive engagement and subsequent return to their political roles.

The third, and perhaps most complex, point of the agreement addresses the consultation between His Excellency and the APC to propose a joint party committee on electoral system reform.

Margao affirmed that the ICPNC, in collaboration with national institutions like the Public Sector Reform Unit and ECSL, has meticulously reviewed the electoral system.

This comprehensive review, incorporating all relevant documents, has now been presented to the relevant authorities for further action.

Margao stressed the importance of this reform for the 2028 elections, noting past electoral constraints that necessitated this thorough review.

The peace commission, he added, will continue to serve as a reminder to ensure the agreed-upon reforms are implemented diligently.

Finally, Margao addressed the fourth critical provision: the release of individuals arrested or imprisoned for alleged election and civil protests.

He confirmed that the ICPNC has actively engaged with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to facilitate these releases, in collaboration with the APC. As a result of these efforts, 36 individuals from the political party have reportedly been released.

Margao's comprehensive update paints a picture of a government diligently working to uphold its commitments under the 'Agreement for National Unity.'

These efforts, coupled with international recognition of Sierra Leone's peaceful trajectory, underscore a promising path towards sustained peace and national cohesion.

Sierra Leone's commitment to peace has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. Margao highlighted the country's impressive ranking in the Global Peace Index, an annual assessment by international bodies.

Out of 163 countries, Sierra Leone secured the 57th position globally as one of the most peaceful nations.

Regionally, the country stands fifth in Africa, second in West Africa, and first in the sub-region, a testament to its dedicated peacebuilding initiatives.

Margao emphasized that these rankings are a result of independent international assessments, underscoring their credibility.