Project Description:

With the conclusion of the 2007 elections, there were occasional clashes between supporters of the ruling All Peoples Congress (APC) and the major opposition, the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP). The SLPP offices in Freetown and Bo were pelted with stones in 2008. In February 2009, a local council by-election, in Ward 323 of Soro Gbema Chiefdom Pujehun District, generated serious political tensions between sympathizers of the SLPP and the APC. Properties were damaged in altercations between party supporters and consequently the elections were deferred to March 2009. The difficult security conditions created by the elections caused the movement of some people across the border to Liberia.  On 13 March 2009, a large crowd of supposed APC sympathizers pelted the offices of the SLPP in Freetown with stones and other objects. Vehicles in the SLPP offices, including one belonging to the Secretary-General of the party were burnt during the incident. Reports were received of an attempt to set ablaze, sometime between the 13 and 14 of March, a vehicle belonging to the Resident Minister for the Eastern Province in Kenema.

Following a bi-party dialogue initiated by the ERSG and the Political Parties Registration Commission, and with support from the international community in Freetown, a Joint Communiqué was signed between the SLPP and the APC in the presence of President Koroma on 2 April 2009. The Communiqué condemned all forms of violence and political incitement, provocation and intimidation. It called for an Independent Review of the events which led to incidents of political violence in March 2009

Development Goal:

This Goal of the project is to promote good  governance.

Immediate Objective:

1. Reviewing and determining the circumstances as well as establish the facts relating to the incidents of political violence that occurred during March 2009 in Pujehun, Freetown and Kenema, as well as the roles and responsibilities of political parties, law enforcement agencies or any other persons or groups in relation to the incidents of political violence and intolerance;

2.Making necessary findings or conclusions that shall provide a full understanding of the circumstances that resulted in the incidents; and making recommendations to forestall future occurrences

Outputs and Key Activities:

1. Refurbish and equip an office space for the Chairperson of the Panel and Panel members;
2. Provide sitting allowances for the Chairperson and Panel members;
3. Provide air transport to Kenema and Pujehun;
4. Hire a vehicle to transport Panel members while in Kenema and Pujehun;
5. Provide DSA for the Chairperson and Panel members while in Kenema and Pujehun;
6. Provide stationery and photocopying services;
7. Provide sensitization and publicity and
8. Provide access to communication (Top-up).

Procurement/Hire:

All equipments needed shall be provided on loan by UNIPSIL. Others like vehicles will be hired.