THE PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION

REPORT OF COUNTRY-SPECIFIC MEETINGS ON BURUNDI AND SIERRA LEONE
OCTOBER 12 -13, 2006

On October 12th and 13th 2006, the new UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held its first two country specific meetings focused on the processes of post-conflict reconstruction in Sierra Leone and Burundi. Participants at the consultations included representatives of the Sierra Leone and Burundi governments, members of the Commission’s organizational committee, the World Bank, IMF and other donors, regional organizations such as the African Union, neighboring countries, and Representatives of the Secretary General in the two countries. Also in attendance were representatives of civil society coalitions in the two countries.

The meetings aimed to outline and analyze the key challenges faced by Burundi and Sierra Leone, in their efforts to create an enabling environment for reconstruction and sustainable peace, and aimed to ensure the development of coherent strategies to address the challenges identified. A number of issues highlighted by participants as reconstruction priorities were common to both countries, including the need to strengthen governance institutions, promote democracy and civic participation, increase public sector capacity, and strengthen rule of law, security sector and justice mechanisms. In the case of Sierra Leone the problem of youth unemployment and marginalization was also identified as a particular threat to the country’s stability.

During the 2 day consultations, a number of speakers identified women’s empowerment and participation in decision-making as an issue requiring a strong coss-sectoral focus in the processes of post-conflict recovery. Mr. Emmanuel Nshimirimana, speaking on behalf of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPAAC) in Burundi, expressed the concern of civil society organizations that the 30% quota for women's representation in public office instituted by the government was not being properly adhered to. The Burundian Foreign Minister while acknowledging challenges in the implementation of the quota policy, however emphasized that a number of women, such as herself, had been appointed into positions of influence based on merit and because of their active role in the political movement, army and civil society during the 12 years of civil war.

The need for mechanisms to ensure women's participation in all aspects of reconstruction was emphasized by both Burundi's and Sierra Leone's UN Special Representative of the Secretary General, while the importance of a gender perspective in processes such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration was highlighted by the representatives of Japan, Bangladesh and the European Community. In the consultations on Burundi, the Danish Ambassador drew the participants attention to the marking of the sixth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325, underlining the urgency of ensuring the resolution’s implementation at the national level in both post-conflict countries.

The meetings also focused attention on the role of civil society and its relationship with government and the international community in reconstruction processes. In his summary of existing conditions in his country, the Sierra Leonean Vice-President expressed concern over a lack of coordination between the efforts of government and non-governmental organizations that was undermining government autonomy and capacity to coordinate aid and programs. While recognizing the role of civil society in providing a check and balance as well as providing services, he called for better dialogue between the two. Speaking on behalf of a coalition of civil society organizations in Sierra Leone, Ms. Memunatu Pratt of the Network of Collaborative Peacebuilding, expressed the strong desire of NGOs for strengthened and effective partnerships between government, civil society, international organizations and donors, and noted in particular the need for more dialogue on issues of reform of public institutions, human rights and justice. In the case of Burundi, its Foreign Minister noted that while a recent coup attempt had created some suspicion between the government and civil society, channels of dialogue had been reopened and the Head of State was holding regular meetings with church representatives, and both media and civil society groups had increased access to meetings with top government officials.

For the Chairman’s summary of the PBC meeting on Sierra Leone, please click here
For the Chairman’s summary of the PBC meeting on Burundi, please click here

The potential role of civil society in the PBC's work in Burundi and Sierra Leone was also the focus of an infomal meeting between members of the Commission and a number of Non-governmental Organizations, held on October 11, 2006.

For a summary of the recommendations made by NGOs during this meeting, please click here

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