Parties: Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone; Revolutionary United Front/Sierra Leone (RUF/SL)
Type: Intra-state
The Parties to the Lomé Peace Agreement agreed to find a transitional arrangement to incorporate the RUF/SL into governance, including by transforming FUR/SL into a political party, enabling members of RUF/SL to hold public office, and the establishment of a broad-based Government of National Unity, establishment of a Commission for the Consolidation of Peace, Commission for the Management of Strategic Resources, National Reconstruction and Development (CMRRD) and a Council of Elders and Religious leaders. The Parties agreed that immediately following the signing of the Agreement, the RUF/SL would commence to function as a political movement with the rights, privileges and duties accorded to all political parties, including unhindered access to the media. The Parties agreed to mobilise funds to train RUF/SL members in party organisation. The Government would amend laws that impede or bar RUF/SL members to hold public office. The Parties agreed to meet and discuss the public appointment of RUF/SL members. In ensuring the inclusion of the RUF/SL in the broad-based Government, the leader of RUF/SL would be offered the Chairmanship of the Board of the CMRRD with a status of Vice President of Sierra Leone. The Cabinet would be expanded to provide positons to RUF/SL.
The Commission for the Consolidation of Peace (CCP) would implement a post-war programme that ensures national reconciliation, consolidation of peace and welfare, including for victims of the war. The CCP would be responsible for the operationalisation of the structures for peace and national reconciliation, including the CMRRD, National Commission on DDR, National Commission for Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (CRRR), Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and Human Rights Commission, among others. The Parties agreed that given the emergency situation, the Government would exercise full control over the exploitation of gold, diamonds and other resources for the benefit of the people under the leadership of the CMRRD. The Council of Elders and Religious Leaders would consider conflicts about the interpretation of the Agreement. The Government would grant absolute and free pardon and reprieve to all combatants and collaborators in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives, up to the signing of the Agreement, and would ensure that no official or judicial action is taken against any member of RUF/SL or other combatants.
The Government would establish a Constitutional Review Committee to recommend revisions. The Parties agreed that a new independent National Electoral Commission would be established. The Parties agreed to security guarantees for peace monitors and to DDR of RUF/SL and paramilitary groups. The Parties agreed to the restructuring and training of the national armed forces, including through the integration of former RUF/SL combatants that meet established criteria, with recruitment into the armed forces reflecting the geo-political structure of the country. A plan for voluntary return and reintegration of refugees and IDPs would be developed and implemented by the CRRR. The Parties agreed to respect for civil and political liberties, and the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission, which would be assisted by a consortium of local human rights and civil society groups in monitoring human rights observance. The TRC would deal with human rights violations committed since the start of the conflict in 1991 and recommend measures for the rehabilitation of victims. The Parties agreed that special attention should be afforded to women in the formulation of rehabilitation, reconstruction and development programmes. A special fund would be established for the rehabilitation of war victims. Special attention would also be given to the issue of child soldiers. The Government would provide free and compulsory schooling for nine years, and endeavour to provide affordable primary health care throughout the country.
The Parties to the 2000 Ceasefire Agreement reaffirmed their commitment to the Lomé Peace Agreement as the framework for restoring lasting peace. The Parties agreed to recommence the DDR programme for all combatants.