The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has continued its process of reactivating Civil Society Coalitions across Sierra Leone, with the Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Directorate leading the effort. The latest engagement took place in Kenema, where 25 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the Eastern Region were brought together to strengthen collaborative peace efforts.
This initiative aligns with Pillar 6 of the ICPNC Strategic Plan, which calls for enhanced collaboration between the Peace Commission and institutions focused on peacebuilding, non-violence, and social cohesion. The reactivation of these coalitions creates a network of competencies that are critical to the Commission’s mission of fostering national unity, in line with its vision statement.
Lilian Wilberforce, Director of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the ICPNC, emphasized that the ultimate goal is to form a unified body of CSOs capable of supporting the Peace Commission in achieving lasting peace and national cohesion in Sierra Leone. The coalition will also play a key role in mobilizing resources necessary for peace and cohesion initiatives across the country.
During the engagement, an executive team was elected to coordinate the coalition’s efforts. The newly appointed executives include:
- Patrick Adu as Chairperson,
- Bob Lebbie Kendor as Vice Chair,
- Milton K. Dassama as Secretary General,
- Zainab Sheriff as Public Relations Officer,
- Hawa Bureh as Financial Secretary,
- Edward K. Kai as Organizing Secretary.
The ICPNC will work closely with this coalition to map out strategic peacebuilding interventions and activities across the districts of Sierra Leone. This partnership aims to streamline efforts to build peace, promote social cohesion, and ensure effective implementation of peace-focused initiatives in the Eastern Region and beyond.
This move is part of the ICPNC’s broader commitment to involving civil society in national peace efforts, ensuring that grassroots organizations contribute to sustainable peacebuilding strategies throughout the country.
