Sierra Leone
Expected Council Action
In September the Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL), which expires on 15 September. Prior to the renewal, the Council will receive the Secretary-General’s next progress report and briefings by UNIPSIL’s head, Michael von der Schulenburg, and the chair of the Sierra Leone country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
Key Recent Developments
Tensions between political parties in Sierra Leone remain high due to regional loyalties that divide party lines. Distrust between the parties and contest of local by-elections in late 2010 have raised concern over a possible resurgence of political violence and intolerance.
On 24 March, von der Schulenburg briefed Council members on the work of UNIPSIL. In presenting the Secretary General’s sixth progress report, he urged greater government focus on ongoing underlying problems highlighted in past reports, such as youth unemployment, drug trafficking and exploitation of natural resources. He also flagged the 2012 presidential and legislative elections, noting that while progress has been made in some areas, challenges remain in other areas, including:
- regular engagement between political parties and the National Electoral Commission and the Political Party Registration Commission;
- government review and adjustment of election budgets;
- voter registration;
- reforms of electoral legal frameworks; and
- police mobilisation.
The then-chairman of the PBC country-specific configuration for Sierra Leone, Canadian Ambassador John McNee, also briefed the Council at the March meeting. Newly appointed Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski is expected to participate in the September briefing.
Developments in the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) |
In March, the Council requested the UN Mission in Liberia to withdraw its military personnel providing security for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and transfer that responsibility to local police. The court was established to try those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Sierra Leone’s civil war in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Also in March, the trial of former Liberian leader Charles Taylor, accused of war crimes committed during the civil war, concluded at The Hague. A judgment is expected before the end of the year, to be followed by any appeals and a final verdict in early 2012.
Human Rights-Related Developments |
Key Issues
The key issue for the Council is how it can contribute to ensuring peace through the period leading up to the 2012 general elections, as well as that a free and fair election process takes place.
A related issue is preparing for an eventual transition from UNIPSIL to a UN country team, with Council members envisaging the mission’s departure in 2013.
Options
The most likely option for the Council is to extend the mandate of UNIPSIL for another year.
It could also decide to modify the mandate to authorise the mission to engage in activities supporting a peaceful election process.
Council Dynamics
Sierra Leone is currently not a contentious item for the Council, due largely to UNIPSIL’s success and the continued consolidation of peace in the country. Consequently, Council members seem ready to support a likely recommendation by the Secretary-General to extend the mission mandate for another year.
The UK is the lead country on Sierra Leone.
Security Council Resolutions |
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Latest Secretary-General’s Report |
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Security Council Meeting Record |
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Peacebuilding Commission |
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UNIPSIL Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, UN Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of UNDP |
Michael von der Schulenburg (Germany) |
Size and Composition of Mission |
Staff strength (as of 31 March 2011): 34 international civilians, 29 local civilians,6 UN volunteers |
Duration |
1 October 2008 to present; mandate expires 15 September 2011 |
Chair of the Sierra Leone Configuration of the PBC |
(Canada) |