By Yusufu S. Bangura
PPRC, UNDP, KAIPTC Staffs & ECSL Rep pose for photo
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has commenced five-day advanced mediation training for staff of the Political Party Regulation Commission (PPRC).
The training, aimed at enhancing staff capacity in political conflict resolution, is taking place at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown and will conclude on December 13, 2024.
Welcoming participants and media representatives, PPRC Executive Secretary Olushogo A. David expressed gratitude to UNDP and KAIPTC for organizing the training. He emphasized its significance, noting that political disputes following the 2018 elections underscored the need for skilled mediators within the Commission.
“We approached UNDP because of our urgent need for staff capacity development. They supported us because they believe in institutional strengthening, leading to this partnership with KAIPTC,” he explained. He added that staff were selected based on merit and contributions toward the Commission’s mandate.
Mustapha Abdallah, Head of the Peace Support Operations Program at KAIPTC, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Ghana and Sierra Leone in peacebuilding efforts. He cited previous KAIPTC initiatives, including conflict resolution programs involving Sierra Leonean police officers and bike rider associations, which helped reduce tensions.
“This training will strengthen PPRC’s ability to mediate political conflicts, which is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in Sierra Leone,” Abdallah stated.
George Baratashvili, UNDP’s Chief Technical Advisor, emphasized that the training aligns with the broader operationalization of the Inter-Party Dialogue Framework in Sierra Leone. He described the Framework as essential for resolving political disputes and fostering consensus among political parties.
“Our partnership with PPRC has led to remarkable progress in building trust and promoting peaceful elections through inter-party dialogue and peace pledges,” Baratashvili said. He encouraged participants to fully engage, emphasizing that the training’s operational guidelines were tailored to PPRC’s assessed needs.
Abubakarr Koroma, Northern Electoral Commissioner for the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), stressed the link between elections and potential conflict, emphasizing the need for skilled mediators.
“Elections often heighten social tensions and can trigger conflicts, especially when the process is perceived as unfair. Experts in mediation and dialogue are essential for reducing risks of violence and instability,” Koroma concluded.
The training is expected to enhance PPRC’s capacity to mediate disputes effectively, contributing to peaceful political processes in Sierra Leone.
