UNAMSIL: A success story in peacekeeping

[JAN. 17, 2006]  FREETOWN, Sierra Leone -- The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone that came to a close at the end of 2005 may serve as a model for successful peacekeeping, as well as a prototype for the U.N.'s new emphasis on peace-building.

Six years ago U.N. peacekeepers moved into Sierra Leone to oversee a feeble peace process. Their work included monitoring a shaky ceasefire and supporting a transition to democratic governance.

Since then, the U.N. has helped the war-ravaged country to make impressive gains towards peace, demonstrating how the world body can respond to the needs and demands of countries in conflict in a rapidly changing global environment. Over the course of its mandate, the U.N. disarmed tens of thousands of ex-fighters, assisted in conducting national elections, helped to rebuild the country's police force, and contributed toward rehabilitating the infrastructure and bringing government services to local communities.

The U.N. also helped the government stop illicit trading in diamonds and regulate the industry. During the war, rebels had used money from "blood" or "conflict" diamonds to buy weapons, which had fueled the conflict.

While the U.N. mission has done much, Sierra Leone still faces many challenges. To help meet these challenges, the newly created U.N. Integrated Office for Sierra Leone will take over the work, beginning in January. Its mandate will be to cement the gains made by the U.N. mission. The new office will help the government strengthen human rights, realize the U.N. Millennium Development Goals, improve transparency and conduct free and fair elections in 2007. It will also work together with other U.N. missions in the subregion and provide security for the special court.

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[Provided by the Good News Agency]

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