Peace, Security, and Development Round Tables
CEDSA’s Peace, Security and Development round tables are regular forums that
bring together members of civil society, academics, policy makers, security sector
institutions, researchers, and scholars in the spirit of national debate and frank
dialogue. Round tables are a consistent forum for frank development debate and
national dialogue attracting a maximum of thirty participants from all walks of life
including policy makers, security actors, civil society, donor organizations, and
other external actors in the peace, security and development process in Sierra
Leone. They are designed to provide a consistent platform to deliberate national
issues and to facilitate critical debates on the thorny issues of conflict, instability
and under-development in Africa with a view to mapping strategies for sustainable
peace and development. Thus, through these monthly discussions we provide a
forum for intellectual reflections on key issues bordering on the peace, stability and
development of Africa in general and Sierra Leone in particular. It takes the form
of a lead paper presentation which is normally a well researched paper followed by
a constructive and productive discussion in which members make their
observations, comments and inputs. Recommendations from these forums are
made available to policy makers, scholars and researchers.
Initial Sessions in 2004/05
CEDSA’s initial Peace, Security, and Development round tables were held at the
organization’s ECOWAS Street Office in Freetown. This was a make-shift
arrangement in which participants had to adjust to a limited office space and the
lack of necessary facilities to facilitate the discussion. Most of our participants
showed understanding and actively participated in these discussions. The outcomes
of these initial discussions were crucially relevant to the transition phase in the
peace and stability process in Sierra Leone. Four main sessions were held under
these circumstances. Some of the presenters were visiting scholars to Sierra Leone
whose research the Centre was able to anchor. The outcome of these sessions and
the interest they generated provided the greatest motivation for further round
tables. CEDSA has since this positive beginning factored round table discussions
as one of its pragmatic tools for advocacy and information dissemination.
Maiden Session on the topic: Political Power in Sierra Leone and the Niger
Delta
The maiden edition of our round tables was held on the 13th October 2004 at our
21 ECOWAS Street office in Freetown. The presenter was Ruben Eberlein, a PhD
candidate, Institute of African Studies, University of Leipzig, Germany. He was a
visiting scholar/researcher to Sierra Leone. His presentation was on the topic:
“Political Power in Sierra Leone and the Niger Delta, Nigeria”. The paper
examined the dynamics of power relations in these two countries and Africa
generally within the trajectories of intervention and exclusion. The paper concludes
that there has been little coordination between the people of Sierra Leone and their
leaders. It recommends the organization of
political interface where Sierra Leoneans and their rulers can meet on equal terms
to discuss and determine the best way forward for their country.
2nd Session on the topic: The Fate of Rebel Groups in Civil Peace Processes &
the Duration of Peace Agreements in Civil Wars
The second edition of CEDSA’s Peace, Security and Development Round Table
was held on Thursday, 21st October 2004. Two PhD candidates, Mimmi
Soderbergh and Desiree Nilsson from the Department of Peace and Conflict
Research, University of Uppsala, Sweden presented on the topics; “The Fate of
Rebel Groups in Civil Peace Processes” and “The duration of Peace Agreements in
Civil Wars”, respectively. They were both visiting researchers to Sierra Leone.
On “The fate of rebel groups in civil peace processes” the thrust of research was to
investigate the plight/fate of rebels in post-war situations. The research noted that
one fundamental reason why most peace processes are fragile is their inability to
transform the warring factions (rebels) in to effective and lasting political entities.
For a rebel group to actually transform itself into political Organization, the paper
noted, it needs some form of positive reorganization to gain legitimacy which is
twofold -domestic and international. The paper concludes that the need for rebel
groups to transform into effective political organizations is crucial in any peace
process and should therefore not be downplayed. It should be the concern if not the
responsibility of government and the International Community to help facilitate
such transformation.
The focus of the second presentation on the “The duration of Peace Agreements in
Civil Wars”, was to study why most peace agreements do not usually hold as
planned. This has to do mainly with parties, which normally signed and which did
not. The findings point out that a major reason why many peace agreements do not
yield dividends has been the exclusion as opposed to inclusion. The paper
concludes by pointing out that most peace agreements succeed because of the
active and unbiased role of a third party. This third party guarantor usually is the
United Nations or a sub-regional body such as the African Union.
Third Session on the topic: Revisiting African Guerrillas
The third edition of CEDSA’s Peace, Security and Development was held on the
25th October 2004 with Dr. Martin Boas, a visiting researcher to Sierra Leone as
the presenter. Mr. Boas is a scholar was from the Fafo Institute for Applied
International Studies, Oslo, Norway and his topic was “Revisiting African
Guerrillas” The presentation was drawn from a forthcoming book on “African
Insurgencies”. The objective of the research was to study critically African
insurgencies using a comparative analytical approach. The major source of the
book is a 1998 work which grouped African insurgents into broad categories Liberationists, Separatists and Reformists. The book argues however that smallscale rebellions have been a source of frustration for the United Nations in its
effort to resort sanity in Africa’s troubled zones. The paper observes that what has
been making it difficult to have fruitful and sustainable peace agreements in Africa
is the failure to actually identify crux of the wars, pointing out that a possible and
credible way forward for lasting peace agreements in Africa is to clearly identify
and confront the fundamental reasons for these insurgencies.
Against this background, the authors of the book believe that African insurgencies
are a manifestation of rage and frustration; a reaction against dysfunctional
patrimonial states or regimes and a fight for socio-political space.
The paper concludes that African guerrillas, despite the national boundaries that
separate them, share certain characteristics: they are a group of indignant and
frustrated young men and women who feel marginalized and excluded from the
socio-political affairs of their states nations. They therefore glamour for inclusion
and a change in the system.
4th Session on the topic: A Conceptual Framework for Durable Peace and
Sustainable Development in Sierra Leone
Our fourth Round Table discussion was held on the 4th February 2005. The
presenter was Dr. Ahmed Ramadan Dumbuya, a former Foreign Minister and
Honourable Member of Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone and a member
of the national Policy Advisory Committee of Sierra Leone. In making his
presentation, Dr. Dumbuya remarked that although there are various activities
going on in Sierra Leone in the name of addressing the nation’s deplorable postconflict situation, most of these lacked a carefully planned homegrown framework
to actually bring them to fruition. Against this background, his presentation sought,
to map out a framework which could conceptualize and put into perspective what
these post-conflict activities should look like. The paper was a framework that
captured various strands in Sierra Leone’s peace building efforts. They included:
the problems, strategies and outcomes.
The fundamental problems the paper notes are bad governance, instability, and
abject poverty. These continue to impede national progress. While bad governance
has taken the form of corrupt practices like misappropriation of state funds,
nepotism, and cronyism, instability is due mainly to internal strife. The penultimate
problems have been the result of the first two problems. On strategies the paper
observes, Sierra Leoneans have become complacent in handling their problems and
look for solutions to the problems from external aid.
The presenter notes, “Rather than promoting self-generating, home-grown
strategies, we have come to rely on donor outfits, which provide mere crumbs. And
the unfortunate thing about it is that sometimes the government and the key
stakeholders do not even bother to question critically the efficiency of these donor
programmes”.
The paper suggested a conceptual framework for the promotion of good
governance, peace consolidation, reconciliation and poverty alleviation: an
efficient, transparent and accountable government, sensitive enough to the plight of
the people; and an uncompromising need for a safe, stable and secured
environment and improved living standards.
Round Tables: “Strengthening Citizens’ Security” Project
Our subsequent Round Table discussions were organised as part of the above
project. Six sessions were held at the Kimbima Hotel in Freetown and Kenema,
Eastern Sierra Leone. Kimbima, a sea view hotel was appropriately chosen for its
cool and ambience conducive for brainstorming and critical reflections. Kenema
was chosen to extend the forum to people in the provincial areas. It was an attempt
to incorporate their views into the national debate. The sessions and topics for
discussion revolved around the 2007 elections and the democratic process in Sierra
Leone and the sub-region. Added to the lead paper presentations, stakeholders to
Sierra Leone’s peace and democratic process were also invited to make short and
informative statements. This included the National Electoral Commission, Political
Parties, Office of National Security, Security Forces, Civil Society Organisations,
academics, and the media.
The sessions were always well attended with stimulating and constructive
discussions following the lead paper presentation. These discussions were held
with the following specific objectives:
• To create a platform wherein various shades of opinion on the issues of peace,
security, democracy and development could be articulated.
• To identify strategic and appropriate mechanisms useful to the maintenance of
peace, security and democracy and to recommend their implementation to the
appropriate authorities.
• To encourage the spirit of national dialogue for sustainable peace, security,
democracy and development in Sierra Leone.
Inaugural Peace, Security, and Development Round Table on the theme:
Elections 2007 and the Sustainability of Peace and Democracy in Sierra Leone
This round table was held in collaboration with Conciliation Resources (CR).
Our inaugural Round Table session was held on the 25th May 2007 on the theme:
“Election 2007 and the Sustainability of Peace and Democracy in Sierra Leone”.
The lead paper was prepared by Dr. Ahmed Ramadan Dumbuya but presented by
Mr. Daniel Gbondo, [Executive Director, and Foundation for Environmental
Sustainability Studies (FESS). Various stakeholders in the 2007 electoral process
including the National Electoral Commission (NEC), The Office of National
Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Police, and the Prisons Department made short
presentations.
The programme was chaired by Mr. Francis Gabiddon, former Ombudsman, and
Republic of Sierra Leone. The discussant was Mr. Charles Silver, Lecturer,
Department of Political Science, and Fourah Bay College. The lead paper triggered
heated discussions around the issues of pre-election, election, and post-election
processes and how these would contribute to the sustainability of peace and
democracy in Sierra Leone. Key issues raised included the potential of youths
including bike riders and ex-combatants (yet to be reintegrated) to destabilize the
election environment, and the refusal of paramount chiefs to allow equal access to
political parties wishing to campaign in their chiefdoms.
Second Session on the theme: Creating a Level Playing Field for Free, Fair,
Transparent, and Peaceful 2007 Elections in Sierra Leone.
Our second session on the 28th June 2007 was on the theme: “Creating a Level
playing Field for Free, Fair, Transparent and Peaceful 2007 Elections in Sierra
Leone”. The lead paper presenter was Mr. George Coleridge-Taylor, Chairman,
and National Commission for Democracy (NCD). Discussion on his presentation
was triggered by Mr. Charles Silver.
Representatives from formal security institutions, the National Electoral
Commission, Civil Society organizations contributed in the form of short
statements. In the lively discussion that ensued, issues bothering on the creation of
conducive environment for voters, political parties and electoral officers before,
during and after elections were critically examined.
Third Session on the theme: Post 2007 Elections Peace and Reconciliation in
Sierra Leone.
The third session of our regular round tables was held on the 28th September 2007
on the theme; “Post 2007 Elections Peace and Reconciliation in sierra Leone”. The
lead paper presenter was Mr. Mohamed Sesay, lecturer, Department of Political
Science, Fourah bay College. The round table attracted usual attendance from the
security sector, the electoral commission, civil society organizations, and
academics. Major stakeholders made short statement after the lead paper
presentation. The chairman for the programme was Mr. George Coleridge-Taylor
and the discussant was Mr. Charles Silver. Issues discussed from the presentations
revolved around the adoption of reconciliatory mechanisms and practices in the
post-elections environment to bridge the divisions and consolidate the peace.
Fourth Session on the theme: The Role of Women in Peace, Security and
Development in Sierra Leone
The fourth round table was held on the 17th October 2007 on the theme; “The Role
of women in Peace, Security and Development in sierra Leone”. The lead presenter
was Miss. Marcella Marcauley of the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG).
The paper focused on several issues including the potentials of women as well as
the challenges and constraints they face in their efforts to contribute to sustainable
peace, security and development in Sierra Leone. Many stakeholders including
women’s organization, security sector institutions made contributions to the
presentation after critical reflections from the discussant, Charles Silver.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Osman Gbla, Dean, Faculty of Social Science
and Law.
Fifth Session on the theme: The Role of Youth in Peace, Security, and
Development in Sierra Leone
Our fifth round table was organised 28th November 2007 on the topic; “The Role
of Youth in Peace, Security, and Development in Sierra Leone”. The lead paper
presenter was Mr. Anthony Koroma, Director of Youths, and Sierra Leone. His
presentation appropriately touched on various issues including the negative role of
youths in the conflict as well as their constructive role in peace building and
development in Sierra Leone. The session attracted a number of youth groups, civil
society activists, the security sector, students, and representatives from the national
government and international partners. Their contribution culminated in a live and
meaningful discussion on the topic and related development. The programme was
chaired by Mr. George Coleridge-Taylor.
Sixth Session: A Recap of Past Round Table Discussions held in Freetown
The sixth round table session was held on the 14th April 2008 and was titled; “A
Discussion on the Past Round Tables held in Freetown”. It took place at the Dema
Entertainment Centre, Kenema, and Eastern region. The lead paper was a synopsis
of the previous round tables written and presented by Mr. Abdulai Jalloh, Head,
Linguistics Unit, Fourah Bay College. This paper stimulated frank discussion
around the issues of the various themes of the past round tables in Freetown. For
instance, the issues around the past elections were raised again with the aim of
drawing lessons for the pending local government elections. Post-elections
processes and the acceptability of elections’ results were also mentioned including
their impact on the sustainability of the peace and democratic process.
The potential threat posed by unemployed youths and bike riders was also
reechoed. Participants reflected on the issue of paramount chiefs refusing equal
access to political parties wishing to campaign in their localities.
Various stakeholders including representatives from regional offices of the
National Electoral Commission, the Office of National Security, the Assistant
Inspector-General of police, Eastern region, Commander, 3rd Infantry Brigade,
Kenema, made contributions to the presentations. Participants were drawn from the
three districts in the Eastern region. The chairman of the occasion was Dr. Sandy
Bockarie, Principal, Eastern Polytechnic.
Seventh Session on the theme: The Role of External Actors in Peace, Security
and Development in Sierra Leone
The seventh and final session of CEDSA/CR round tables was held on the 29th
June 2008 at the Kimbima Hotel, Freetown, on the theme; “The Role of External
Actors in Peace, Security, and Development in Sierra Leone”. The lead paper
presenter was Dr. Osman Gbla, Dean, Faculty of Social Science and Law, Fourah
Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. The paper was discussed by Mr. Ayodele
Gatta, Lecturer, Department of Law, Fourah Bay College. In attendance were
various civil society organizations, members of security sector institutions, donor
organizations, academics, and representatives from the government. The discussion
generated from the presentations and triggered by the discussant revolved around
the issue of creating the enabling environment for possible external intervention in
the development of Sierra Leone. The issues of security and development and their
nexus were examined with a view of pointing to the pivotal role of the
international community in consolidating the peace in the country.
These round tables succeeded in creating awareness among Sierra Leoneans on the
interconnectedness between security and development on the one hand and
between security, sustainable peace, and democracy on the other. They created a
forum for positive interaction and dialogue among security personnel, civil society
activists, government functionaries, academics, and external actors. The outcomes
of these round tables have among other things, helped the partners of the project to
realise the importance of networking in creating awareness about peace, security,
and development in Sierra Leone.