S/PV.7034 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Sierra Leone to participate in this meeting. On behalf of the Council, I extend a very warm welcome to His Excellency Mr. Samura M.W. Kamara, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen, Executive Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone, to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Guillermo Rishchynski, Chair of the Sierra Leone country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission and Permanent Representative of Canada, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2013/547, which contains the eleventh report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone. I now give the floor to Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen. Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen: I would like to begin by thanking the Council for the opportunity to present the eleventh report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) (S/2013/547). The report highlights major developments that have taken place in Sierra Leone over the past six months, and the progress made towards the completion of UNIPSIL’s mandate and transfer of its remaining tasks to the United Nations country team on 31 March 2014. Since I last briefed the Council, in March (see S/PV.6933), there have been notable developments in Sierra Leone. The United Nations and Sierra Leone’s development partners have continued their support to the Government in the implementation of its national development strategy, known as the Agenda for Prosperity (2013-2018). The strategy lays the foundations for rapid and sustainable economic growth and democratic transformation by focusing on key economic, social and governance sectors. The total cost of the Agenda is about $6 billion, with a funding gap of more than $2 billion. Closing such a significant funding gap and achieving the goals set by the strategy requires far more international support, as well as the mobilization of substantial domestic resources, through increased domestic and foreign investment. Most importantly, it demands the full ownership, absolute dedication and hard work of all Sierra Leoneans. Robust systems and institutional and legal frameworks that would attract foreign and domestic investment with good corporate social responsibility are also key to the successful implementation of the Government’s agenda. The launching on 30 July of the long-awaited constitutional review process is another significant development of the past six months. We are pleased that the process is led and owned by the Sierra Leoneans, as amply demonstrated in the composition of the Constitutional Review Committee that is spearheading the review process. We commend President Koroma for his leadership and commitment to an inclusive and transparent constitutional review process. The review presents a historic opportunity for strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions, anchoring the rule of law and human rights, leading to a modern and more inclusive system of governance, promoting equitable economic development and social justice for all; those will in turn foster greater cohesion and unity among Sierra Leoneans. Funding for the review process has been secured through contributions from the Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union, the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the United Nations. With the support of the United Nations and the international community as a whole, Sierra Leone has made significant progress over the past decade in the consolidation of its hard-won peace and democratic transformation. Sustaining those gains and achieving the country’s ambitious development aspirations would, however, require continued efforts and commitment to strengthening and empowering the country’s democratic institutions and promoting the rule of law and democratic governance. In that respect, attention and priority should continue to be given, inter alia, to combating corruption, ensuring the professionalism and independence of the security and justice sectors, and building the capacity of national institutions, including Parliament, to effectively play their role. We commend the Government’s political commitment to combating corruption, in particular President Koroma’s zero-tolerance policy. In the same vein, we wish to underline the importance of continued support for the efforts of the Anti-Corruption Commission to effectively discharge its mandate. Sierra Leone’s political parties, in particular the ruling All People’s Congress and the main opposition party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party, have an important role to play in maintaining and consolidating the country’s multiparty democracy and political pluralism. To that end, it is incumbent on them to resolve all intra- and inter-party disputes through dialogue and working together, putting the country’s interest above all others. As requested by the Council, UNIPSIL has finalized and is implementing a transition and exit plan aimed at the mission’s full drawdown by 31 March 2014. The plan addresses both the implementation of the mission’s remaining mandate, as outlined in resolution 2097 (2013), and the transfer of residual tasks to the United Nations country team. In that regard, following consultations with the Government, the United Nations country team and other partners, we have finalized programme documents covering key activities in the three priority areas, namely, constitutional review, security sector reform and conflict prevention. Those activities will be implemented during the next two to four years, with funding to be secured from bilateral sources, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. The drawdown and closure of various components and field offices of UNIPSIL are also proceeding as planned. As indicated in the report before the Council, the mission’s aviation unit and the Democratic Institutions Section have been closed. The Human Rights Section will complete its work by the end of December 2013, with the human rights-related work of the United Nations transferred to the Resident Coordinator’s Office. The remaining components of the mission, namely, the Political and Peace Consolidation Section and the United Nations Police, will continue their work, with reduced capacity, until the closure of the mission. With respect to UNIPSIL’s field offices, the regional office in the eastern province was closed in April, and the remaining three offices will either be closed or transferred to the United Nations country team by the end of December. Given the importance of continuing the work of the United Nations in the field, I am encouraged by the interest some United Nations agencies have shown to take over UNIPSIL’s facilities and maintain a presence in the various regions of Sierra Leone. However, the scope of those agencies’ presence will depend on availability of funding. Most importantly, as UNIPSIL is making good progress in the implementation of its transition and drawdown plan, the United Nations country team has also stepped up its work in finalizing a United Nations Development Assistance Framework for the period 2015-2020. The Framework will replace the joint UNIPSIL/United Nations country team strategy or the United Nations joint vision, and serve as the United Nations strategy to support the Government’s Agenda for Prosperity. The implementation of UNIPSIL’s transition and exit strategy is on course, and we are firmly set to complete a full drawdown on 31 March 2014. At the same time, Sierra Leone has embarked on major undertakings: the launching of the country’s development agenda — the Agenda for Prosperity — and a constitutional review exercise. Those are ambitious undertakings, but they are also essential for Sierra Leone’s economic development and democratic transformation and in addressing the root causes of the conflict identified in the report of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission. There are already high expectations. Success in meeting those expectations and building a prosperous, democratic and peaceful country is not only the responsibility of the Government or a particular group, but a shared responsibility of all Sierra Leoneans, including the country’s political parties, civil society, traditional leaders and others. I therefore call on all Sierra Leoneans to set aside their political differences and group interests and work together in a spirit of national unity to promote the development and democratization agenda of their country. In concluding, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the people and the Government of Sierra Leone, in particular President Ernest Bai Koroma, for their continued support for the work of the United Nations, including the seamless and timely implementation of UNIPSIL’s transition plan. I would also like to thank the Security Council for its continued interest in Sierra Leone and our activities in the country.

I thank Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Rishchynski. Mr. Rishchynski: I would like to express the appreciation of all the members of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for the opportunity to come before the Security Council to brief it on the situation in Sierra Leone. (spoke in French) It is my pleasure to brief the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. I intend to focus my remarks on three topics: the drawdown of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) and the transition to a United Nations country team, the Government of Sierra Leone’s Agenda for Prosperity, and the future of the Peacebuilding Commission’s engagement. (spoke in English) As the Executive Representative of the Secretary- General has outlined, UNIPSIL is on track to depart Sierra Leone in March 2014. The United Nations transition process is well under way, with a clear plan in place for UNIPSIL to gradually transfer core responsibilities to members of the United Nations country team. While Sierra Leone has made significant progress in recent years, some challenges will linger. United Nations planning reflects those needs, with continued investment required in the areas of conflict prevention, security sector reform and human rights. If managed successfully and inclusively, the forthcoming constitutional review also has the potential to be a transformative process, especially if it advances equality between women and men and provides a new basis for mitigating Sierra Leone’s winner-takes-all politics. Those issues will require continued attention and support. I am pleased to note that the response to date from the United Nations and Sierra Leone’s international partners has been extremely positive. Funds are either in place or anticipated to be available to cover most of the costs associated with each of the core transition areas. We also understand that the Peacebuilding Fund is prepared to address some of the residual gaps through its Immediate Response Facility. As we noted in our previous briefing (see S/PV.6933), the Peacebuilding Commission stands ready to help marshal any additional resources that may be required. (spoke in French) The Government of Sierra Leone officially launched its Agenda for Prosperity in July 2013. The strategy outlines a vision for socioeconomic development based on effective management of natural resources and private sector-led growth. The programme also includes several elements relating to peacebuilding. For example, pillar seven on governance and public sector reform includes commitments to strengthening anti-corruption efforts, protecting and promoting human rights, enhancing access to justice, continuing the reform of key security sector institutions, and building public sector capacity. Pillar eight proposes a series of important initiatives to combat violence against women, improve economic empowerment, and increase participation in political decision-making. In addition, the challenge of youth unemployment features in several other pillars dedicated to socioeconomic development. Given this focus, the Peacebuilding Commission intends to hold a high-level meeting in the coming months to discuss, promote and disseminate the Agenda for Prosperity. (spoke in English) Resolution 2097 (2013) requested that the Peacebuilding Commission review its engagement in Sierra Leone “with a view to scaling down its role”. Discussions on the design of this process, the first of its kind in the Peacebuilding Commission, have begun within the configuration. An initial review of peacebuilding in Sierra Leone will be conducted later this year. This exercise will examine progress to date, evaluate outstanding challenges and assess areas potentially requiring additional support. These findings will inform a technical mission to Sierra Leone later in the fall, which will begin to establish the parameters of the Commission’s own transition process. We then plan to conduct a Chair’s visit in early 2014. That visit will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss progress on the United Nations transition and the Agenda for Prosperity. It will also serve to finalize agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone on the nature and duration of the Commission’s support. This analysis and planning will be distilled into a transition strategy for the Peacebuilding Commission, on which we intend to consult with the Security Council in early 2014. Finally, let me conclude with two comments. First, transitions represent critical moments during post- conflict peacebuilding processes. They have potential to either lay the foundations for sustainable progress or create new challenges. For this reason, Executive Representative of the Secretary-General Jens Toyberg- Frandzen, the United Nations country team, and the United Nations system deserves great credit for their careful stewardship of the process to date. Secondly, at a time when the Security Council faces significant challenges, Sierra Leone reminds us of what it is possible to achieve. Yet consolidating peace is a long-term endeavour. UNIPSIL’s drawdown should be seen as a transformation of international support rather than its culmination. It is vitally important that the international community continue to devote the attention and resources necessary to build on the impressive progress already achieved by Sierra Leoneans.

I thank Mr. Rishchynski for his briefing. I now give the floor to the representative of Sierra Leone.

I congratulate you, Sir, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of September. I thank you for giving my delegation the opportunity to contribute to this briefing on the situation in Sierra Leone Let me at the outset convey on behalf of His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma and the Government and people of Sierra Leone our deep appreciation for the continued support and interest of the Security Council, the wider membership of the United Nations and our international partners in consolidating peace and security in Sierra Leone, as well as in supporting our political and economic development effort. In particular, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General for his eleventh report (S/2013/547) on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) for the period from 1 March to 31 August 2013, which has been ably introduced by the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jens Toyberg-Frandzen. We note with profound appreciation his instructive presentation, critically focusing on the constitutional review process that has recently begun, the launch of the Agenda for Prosperity and support for its implementation, the UNIPSIL drawdown and transition road map, and issues relating to progress made in building and consolidating peace in Sierra Leone. We appreciate the excellent manner in which UNIPSIL continues to partner and cooperate with the Government and people of Sierra Leone in the delivery of its mandate even as it progressively draws down. The signals so far are that it is an orderly process. We also express our gratitude to the members of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) through its Chair, Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski of Canada, for the relentless commitment and strong support the configuration continues to demonstrate in the pursuit of peace, security and stability in Sierra Leone. We note with particular interest his insightful remarks focusing on the UNIPSIL drawdown and transition to a United Nations country team, my Government’s Agenda for Prosperity, and the future of the Peacebuilding Commission’s engagement in the country. We share and agree with his perspectives detailing the road map for scaling down the Peacebuilding Commission’s engagement in Sierra Leone, and welcome his support for our effort in building a more resilient country. Consistent with the improved security situation in the country, the Security Council adopted resolution 2097 (2013) to pave the way for the drawdown of UNIPSIL in Sierra Leone. The Government acknowledges and supports UNIPSIL’s drawdown, as well as the review of the PBC engagement with the country as a response to the significantly improved security environment prevailing in the country. The progress we have collectively made in improving peace, security and stability provides a platform for rolling out the Agenda for Prosperity — the road map to the attainment of middle-income and donor country status within the next 25 to 50 years. Thus, in launching the Agenda for Prosperity on 12 July, President Ernest Bat Koroma called on all Sierra Leoneans and development partners to put all hands on deck in support of this very ambitious development framework. The Agenda for Prosperity embraces the nexus between development, peace, security and stability. For us, it is an incremental path towards building a sustainable future for Sierra Leone after the Agenda for Change, which ended last year. This development framework, which represents Sierra Leone’s third poverty-reduction strategy, is anchored to the eight pillars, compared to the four pillars of the Agenda for Change. They are economic diversification to promote inclusive green growth; better management of our natural resources; accelerating progress on the Millennium Development Goals for human development; improving the country’s international competitiveness; ensuring a more focused employment and labour strategy; ensuring social protection; strengthening governance and public sector reform; and mainstreaming gender. Based on our experience in implementing the Agenda for Change, including the lessons learned and remaining challenges, the Agenda for Prosperity is all-encompassing and seeks to address peacebuilding elements, as well as the residual programmes of its predecessor, the Agenda for Change. It is also consistent with the “one vision, one plan” principle of the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States within the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation. It is encouraging to note that the most recent fragility assessment of Sierra Leone reveals a reduction in the overall poverty profile, from 66.4 per cent in 2003 to 52.9 per cent in 2011. Also, preliminary estimates from the International Monetary Fund indicate that Sierra Leone’s economy is on track to achieve a projected growth of up to 13.3 per cent, as output in the mining, agriculture, construction, manufacturing and service sectors continues to expand. The stable macroeconomic performance in the first half of 2013 has sustained that trend. That improvement should be a catalyst and encouragement for us as a nation and our partners to do more, by investing in the Agenda for Prosperity. The country is currently concluding a new programme with the International Monetary Fund that is consistent with the stated ambitions of the Agenda for Prosperity. Sierra Leone remains steadfastly committed to the fight against corruption, poverty, the illicit trade in and transfer of small arms and light weapons, drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, which are currently plaguing our subregion. We have continued to score highly on the protection of human rights. We have made significant strides in creating a stable and secure environment for investment to create wealth and generate employment opportunities for our youth. A range of initiatives have been undertaken to mainstream gender and broaden opportunities to enhance the role and visibility of women in decision-making. Efforts in addressing youth empowerment and unemployment remain at the heart of the Agenda for Prosperity. We have undertaken a number of interventions, including the creation of a national volunteer service corps, the engagement of youth in the agricultural sector and the improvement of the legal and institutional framework for labour administration. The Government is also negotiating with international partners to actualize the establishment of a youth skills development village, aimed at preparing youth for employment in the private sector. We are making steady progress in strengthening the coordination mechanisms between the newly established Ministry of Youth Affairs and the National Youth Commission. We welcome the support of the United Nations team in that regard. We continue to count on the Sierra Leone country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission and all partners in the implementation of the Agenda for Prosperity, with particular reference to the peacebuilding elements, including the regional approach to peacebuilding, the review of its engagement and scaling down its role. In that regard, we applaud the very good work and commitment of the Peacebuilding Commission and our development partners. I would like to urge all members to continue to support our development process through concessional financing, the promotion of foreign investments and support to our educational and key governance institutions, including through the expansion of the job market and economic opportunities for our young population. President Koroma inaugurated the Constitutional Review Committee on 30 July 2013 to oversee the process of reviewing the 1991 Constitution. The Committee has a broad-based membership, drawn from all registered political parties, civil society and democratic institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the National Electoral Commission and the Political Parties Registration Commission, the National Youth Commission, the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, the National Union of Students, the Sierra Leone Bar Association and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists. The aim of that process, as outlined by President Koroma in his inaugural remarks, is to produce a people-friendly, easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow Constitution that is inclusive and reflects the country’s unity in diversity. The process is intended to also draw on lessons learned from the country’s constitutional history to capture the country’s renewal and dynamism and best international practices of constitutionalism. The Committee has commenced public consultations throughout the country using wide-ranging outreach tools to ensure the broadest possible participation of Sierra Leoneans in the process, at the end of which the Committee will submit its recommendations to the Government for parliamentary approval. That will be followed by a national referendum. The United Nations and our international partners have agreed to provide technical and financial support for that process. On internal security, six personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces are currently being investigated for allegedly holding an illegal secret meeting at the Tekoh military barracks in the Northern Province city of Makeni. The findings of the investigation, when completed, will be made public. However, the overall security situation in the country remains under firm control. The security sector reform programme, aimed at continually re-training our armed forces and enhancing the institutional capacity of our security apparatus, is in an advanced stage. UNIPSIL is providing technical support for the establishment of the independent police complaints committee, a matter that will soon be submitted to Parliament for approval. We have also successfully resolved, through diplomatic means, the long-standing border dispute over Yenga with our sister country the Republic of Guinea. Let me conclude by commending the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen, and the staff of UNIPSIL, United Nations agencies, the Peacebuilding Commission, funds and programmes and other international and regional partners for collaboratively working with the Government of Sierra Leone in supporting our efforts to consolidate peace and security in the country and our development aspirations. We stand ready to continue collaborating with UNIPSIL, the Peacebuilding Commission and our international partners to ensure a seamless transition to a United Nations resident coordinator system.

There are no further names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.