Consolidation of Peace
Former soldiers in Sierra Leone trade armaments for development
The recovery of Sierra Leone from a devastating civil war is a vital step for the country and for West Africa. Tens of thousands were killed, and more than 2 million people were displaced during the conflict, which ended in 2002, leaving the country one of the poorest in Africa and the world.
Peace-building activities are laying a foundation for economic growth and strengthening democratic governance, which are essential for enabling communities to improve their lives, reduce poverty, and make progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
The Arms for Development project is a joint initiative of the Government of Sierra Leone and UNDP. Japan is supporting the project as part of efforts to promote consolidation of peace and democratization in Africa, which is a major priority of the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV).
The project is promoting conditions for lasting peace, human security and socio-economic development by encouraging former soldiers to turn in weapons in exchange for help with community development initiatives, and is also building two border posts, one on the border with Liberia and the other on the border with Guinea.
So far, the project has raised awareness about the dangers posed by illicit small arms and light weapons in 35 chiefdoms, and helped communities in border areas understand the need to reduce crime. Voluntary surrender of arms in exchange for assistance with development projects is underway in 22 of the chiefdoms.
The project has enabled the Safroko Limba chiefdom to construct four classrooms for 120 pupils and toilet facilities. Local women championed the initiative so that girls can attend senior secondary school within their community rather than in urban areas. The local classes reduce families’ financial burden for their children’s education. The village of Masimgbi also constructed and equipped four classrooms and a principal’s office.
Five communities have built community centers to improve recreation facilities for teenagers, providing them with local opportunities for local activities, rather than heading for urban areas. The centers are also used for community meetings.
The project has also assisted the expansion of the Kamabai Health Center with construction of a ward for 20 patients. Plans are underway for the Ministry of Health to provide additional staff and drugs for the health center.
Following the ratification by Parliament of a regional Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons in June 2007, Sierra Leone is establishing a National Commission on Small Arms as provided for in the Convention. In another element of the Arms for Development Project, UNDP is assisting the Commission.