Sierra Leone

In early June the Fatima Institute brought Paramount Chiefs from the Northern region of the country together in Makeni to discuss their role in the elections. This resulted in the ‘Makeni Protocol’ which was signed by the Paramount Chiefs and affirmed their commitment to promote the democratic process and support free and fair elections.

UNDP continued support to this initiative by funding a second two-day workshop for 53 Paramount Chiefs from the Southern region, which concluded on 2 July 2007. Another 43 Paramount Chiefs from the Eastern region completed a similar workshop in Kenema town on 6-7 July. The goal of these consultative processes has been to create an independent, responsible and accountable traditional leadership throughout the country. Strengthened awareness and increased participation among the chiefs in the electoral process is likely to reduce the risk of violence, intimidation and other forms of conflict during campaigning and the election. The traditional leaders have also used the consultation to review their role more broadly on governance issues, the rule of law and human rights legislation.