The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) are exploring ways to strengthen collaboration in preventing conflicts, promoting peaceful coexistence, and maintaining national stability. This commitment emerged during a courtesy visit by an ICPNC delegation to the incoming Commander of the 5 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Dennis Martin Kpademba, at the Brigade Headquarters in Gondama, Bo District.
The ICPNC delegation, led by South Regional Coordinator Belinda Ndanema and accompanied by Senior Officer Suleiman Macasuba, discussed the Commission's statutory mandate, ongoing peacebuilding initiatives across the Southern Province, and potential areas of collaboration with the military. Discussions centered on proactive conflict prevention, community-level mediation, and strengthening social cohesion.
Both institutions recognize the importance of working together to address disputes before they escalate into violence. Brigadier General Kpademba acknowledged the complementary roles of the military and the Peace Commission, noting that although their operational approaches differ, both institutions share the responsibility of promoting peace and national stability.
The ICPNC representatives reaffirmed the importance of partnerships between security institutions and peacebuilding organizations, stressing that lasting national peace requires more than security enforcement and must include active community engagement and dialogue. The Commission highlighted the need for sustained cooperation with the RSLAF and other security actors to strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms.
The engagement forms part of ICPNC's broader efforts to establish strategic partnerships with key national institutions and strengthen the structures needed to preserve peaceful coexistence, national unity, and stability across Sierra Leone. This initiative aims to encourage communities to resolve differences peacefully.
Brigadier General Kpademba explained that while the military relies on its security capabilities to maintain order, the Peace Commission uses non-violent approaches, particularly dialogue and mediation, to resolve disagreements and prevent conflict. This collaboration is expected to enhance national stability and promote peace.
The meeting marks a significant step towards fostering cooperation between the military and peacebuilding organizations in Sierra Leone, ultimately contributing to the country's overall peace and stability.
Key points
- The ICPNC and RSLAF are strengthening collaboration on conflict prevention and national stability.
- The partnership aims to promote peaceful coexistence and address disputes before they escalate into violence.
- The engagement is part of ICPNC's efforts to establish strategic partnerships with key national institutions.
