UNDERSTANDING PEACEBUILDING IN SIERRA LEONE AND LIBERIA
Introduction
In essence, peacebuilding is the art of fostering harmony in the face of chaos (Lederach, 1997). Its primary objectives are to foster lasting unity, assist peacekeeping operations, and address the underlying causes of conflicts (UN, 2009). Peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas aims to empower people and promote communication, collaboration, and development projects to provide the framework for sustained peace and stability (UNDP, 2015). It entails tasks including handling, controlling, and resolving disputes as well as reconstructing violent societies (Paris & Sisk, 2009). These initiatives cover a range of strategies, including as development aid, institutional changes, diplomacy, mediation, and reconciliation (UN, 2009). Within the field of international relations, peacebuilding is crucial because it supports development, stability, and security—all of which are prerequisites for peaceful international cohabitation (Doyle & Sambanis, 2000).
Comparison of Sierra Leone and Liberia
Because of their comparable geopolitical circumstances, I have chosen Sierra Leone and Liberia as my comparative countries. Furthermore, both nations have endured protracted periods of bloodshed and are presently in the process of reconstructing their society following considerable civil turmoil in the past. Both Liberia and Sierra Leone saw terrible civil conflicts in the 1990s and early 2000s that resulted in a large number of fatalities, the uprooting of communities, and the destruction of infrastructure (Zack-Williams, 2016). But both countries are actively striving for enduring peace and development in spite of these great adversities (Davies, 2014).
When President Joseph Momoh was ousted from office in 1991 and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), led by Foday Sankoh, assumed power, turmoil in Sierra Leone broke out. They desired authority and command over the nation's priceless diamond resources. This resulted in a bloody civil war that saw many horrible things happen, including the kidnapping, mutilation, and even the forcing of children to fight. The issue was exacerbated by the involvement of other factions such as the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) (Cunningham & O'Connell, 2007).
Measures to Peacebuilding by the 2 countries
since the civil war ended in 2003, Liberia has been trying hard to make peace. They've set up things like truth and reconciliation commissions to help people feel better, and they're helping soldiers return to normal life. Friends from around the world, like the UN, are also helping. They're making Liberia's government stronger, making things fair, and helping the economy. One important group is the Liberia Peacebuilding Office, started by the UN. They're focused on helping Liberia rebuild after the war. They want to make sure Liberia's institutions are strong, keep the peace, and make sure Liberia has a good future (United Nations, 2017).
WANEP Sierra Leone is one such organization. This non-profit group was founded in 2002 with the goal of promoting peace and putting an end to violence. They collaborate with others who share their desire to improve Sierra Leone (WANEP, n.d.).
Relations with other neighboring countries
Sierra Leone and Liberia are members of organizations such as the ECOWAS and the Mano River Union, which contribute to the economic and security development of the area. Despite occasional arguments, the goal of these meetings is to collaborate to resolve issues and have frank conversations (ECOWAS, n.d.).
What were the Cultural, historical, geographical Impact on Peacebuilding?
By concentrating on the important things, we may contribute to the establishment of peace in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the surrounding territories. Ensuring equitable opportunities for everybody and granting them a voice in decision-making are important goals. It is imperative to provide youth with improved educational and career options. We can significantly impact commerce and avoid war by cooperating to promote both. Furthermore, it seems as though we have allies at our side when other nations come to our aid (United Nations, 2020; United Nations Development Programme, 2019).
What are the future actions needed to carried out to ensure peacebuilding?
In order to strengthen peace in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and neighboring areas, we must prioritize a few key areas. We ought to start by addressing the disparities that exist between the affluent and the poor. Everyone need to have an equal opportunity to achieve and influence how things are carried out. Aiding youth in obtaining greater education and opportunity is also crucial. Together, we should promote international trade and strive to avert wars. It is particularly beneficial when other nation is extend assistance (United Nations, 2020; United Nations Development Programme, 2019).
conclusion
To put it briefly, the lessons learned from Sierra Leone and Liberia show us just how difficult it may be to restore peace to nations that have witnessed a great deal of bloodshed. Despite the fact that things have improved and individuals are working together more, there are still many issues to resolve. Everyone has to continue cooperating in order to maintain peace, including nations all around the world, organizations in the area, and the governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia. By ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity, allowing everyone to have a voice in how things are governed, and cooperating with other nations, they can strengthen the already existing peace. We must continue to support initiatives aimed at bringing the area's people long-lasting peace and happiness while also taking note of what has worked and what hasn't.
References
- Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies. United States Institute of Peace Press.
- United Nations. (2009). Report of the Secretary-General on Peacebuilding in the Immediate Aftermath of Conflict. Retrieved from https://undocs.org/S/2009/304
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2015). Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/our-approach/conflictpreventionandpeacebuilding/
- Paris, R., & Sisk, T. D. (2009). The dilemmas of statebuilding: Confronting the contradictions of postwar peace operations. Routledge.
- Doyle, M. W., & Sambanis, N. (2000). International peacebuilding: A theoretical and quantitative analysis. American Political Science Review, 94(4), 779-801.
- Zack-Williams, A. B. (2016). 20 Years of Failed Peacebuilding: The Case of Sierra Leone. Third World Quarterly, 37(3), 412-428.
- Davies, J. (2014). Liberia's Civil War: Nigeria, ECOMOG, and Regional Security in West Africa. Routledge.
- United Nations. (2017). Liberia Peacebuilding Office. Retrieved from https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/unmil/lpo
- Cunningham, D., & O'Connell, R. (2007). "Rival states, rival militias: competition for resources in Liberia and Sierra Leone." African Affairs, 106(425), 589-611.
- Skinner, E. (2006). "Reconsidering the root causes of Liberian civil wars: a critique of the greed and grievance model." African Studies Review, 49(3), 9-31.
- WANEP. (n.d.). Sierra Leone. Retrieved from https://www.wanep.org/wanep-sierra-leone
- ECOWAS. (n.d.). About ECOWAS. Retrieved from https://www.ecowas.int/about-ecowas/United Nations. (2015). Addressing the root causes of conflict in West Africa. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/
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