Puzzling Negotiations: Reconciliation and Peace Building in Sierra Leone

• In Event: How to End a Civil War?

Abstract

Undertaking sustainable reconciliation in conflict societies has been a major concern in attaining lasting peace in many African countries. There are traditional institutions that have long been considered as customary systems and valuable instruments for addressing different forms of conflict in Africa. But in the modern conflict world different forms of institutions are designed to serve as central mechanisms in conflict resolutions, peacebuilding, peacemaking and peacekeeping. In Sierra Leone, for instance, which experienced intense violent conflicts from 1991 to 2001, has evolved diverse conflict resolution mechanism. These include reconciliation, negotiation and to some extent reintegration. Amongst these integrated frameworks, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) stood out. The TRC was conceived as a key instrument that facilitated the reconciliation process. As a framework, the TRC targeted the victims, whom were afforded the opportunity to express their concerns, particularly the atrocities committed against them and their loved ones in the course of war. The paper thus examined the role of TRC and the challenges thereof in the sustenance of peace and stability in Sierra Leone. The data obtained through in-depth interviews and documents are analyzed qualitatively. The paper argues that sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved in divided societies through negotiations and reconciliation.

Author

• Abubakar Mohammed, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto