ECOWAS SIX-MONTH PEACE PLAN FOR SIERRA LEONE
23 OCTOBER 1997 - 22 APRIL 1998
(SCHEDULE OF IMPLEMENTATION)
PREAMBLE:
Pursuant to the ECOWAS mandate to implement proposals for the resolution of the Sierra Leone crisis contained in the Final Communique of 26 June, 1997 in Conakry, a seven-point peace plan has been devised for the early return of constitutional governance to Sierra Leone. These are:
1. Cessation of hostilities throughout Sierra Leone
- With immediate effect
- Establish monitoring and verification mechanism
Note: Process to be undertaken by ECOMOG, and the UN military observers. Participation of UN military observers needs the agreement of the UN Security Council.
2. Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration of Combatants: 1 to 31 December, 1997
Note: ECOWAS Committee of Five Ministerial Assessment visit (20 November, 1997)
3. Commencement of Humanitarian Assistance: 14 November 1997
Note: ECOMOG to monitor the process
4. Return of Refugees and Displaced Persons
Commencement date: 1 December, 1997
UNHCR assisted repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons
5. Restoration of the constitutional Government and Broadening of the Power Base: Takes effect from 22 May, 1998.
6. Immunities and Guarantees: Takes effect from 22 May, 1998
ELABORATION OF ECOWAS PEACE PLAN
1. Cessation of Hostilities:
It is considered that cessation of hostilities should come into force immediately. However, this will have to be accompanied by a monitoring and verification regime. Leaders of the various combatant units will be expected to disseminate information concerning these measures and ensure compliance with them. These measures will be supervised by ECOMOG, assisted by UN military observation group. The verification process will continue right up to the termination of the peace plan, i.e. 22 April 1998.
2. Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration of Combatants:
It is considered that a minimum of 30 days would be required to conduct an effective disarmament and demobilisation of combatants. This should take place from 1 to 31 December, 1997. Given the nation-wide dislocation of infrastructures and administration, a simple and uncomplicated procedure is envisaged. Combatants will be directed to report at designated centres in order to be engaged in the disarmament process. ECOMOG will supervise the entire process of disarmament and demobilisation. Where necessary, incentives may have to be provided to encourage the voluntary participation of combatants in all this process.
3. Humanitarian Assistance:
Considering that sanctions/embargoes will be strictly enforced throughout the period of the implementation of the Sierra Leone peace plan, the flows of humanitarian assistance beginning 14 November 1997 will continue to be monitored by ECOMOG and UN military observers. To this effect, a mechanism will be established by ECOMOG to facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance. All this will be worked within the context of UN Security Council Resolution.
4. Return of Refugees and Displaced Persons:
Recognising that refugees, particularly those in neighboring countries, may wish to voluntarily return following the cessation of hostilities, UNHCR assistance should begin from 1 December, 1997.
5. Restoration of Constitutional Government and Broadening of the Power Base:
The restoration of constitutional order to Sierra Leone is at the heart of the ECOWAS peace plan. Consequently, it is considered necessary that the Government of Tejan Kabbah should be enabled to exercise effective control once he is restored to office on 22 May 1998. Nevertheless, it is recognised that for an enduring peace to be restored which will enjoy the support of the majority of Sierra Leoneans and the confidence of the subregion, efforts should be made to ensure that an all-inclusive government is evolved. In this regard, the goodwill and assistance of the international community, both financial and material, would be necessary.
The interest of the various parties in Sierra Leone should be suitably accommodated. Accordingly, it is recommended that the new Cabinet should be a cabinet of inclusion.
Furthermore, in order to accommodate the aspirations of their supporters, Board and Senior Civil Service appointments are to reflect broad national character.
All the above power sharing formulas should come into effect 22 May 1998.
It is recognised that Corporal Foday Sankoh as a leader of RUF could continue to play an active role and participate in the peace process.
In the spirit of the Abidjan Accord and in the context of this Agreement, Corporal Foday Sankoh is expected to return to his country to make his contribution to the peace process.
6. Reintegration of Combatants:
All those who disarm as a result of the implementation of the peace process, should be provided with either job training to fit them for alternative employment or given scholarships and grants for further education. Access to education at all levels should be made available to all demobilised persons. Ex-combatants should be provided with assistance to facilitate their re-integration into their communities. We strongly appeal to the UN, OAU, ECOWAS and indeed the international community to render appropriate assistance to achieve this objective.
7. Donor Appeals for Emergency Humanitarian Assistance for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation:
The United Nations and the OAU in cooperation with ECOWAS are requested to launch these appeals as soon as hostilities cease.
8. Immunities and Guarantees:
It is considered essential that unconditional immunities and guarantees from prosecution be extended to all involved in the unfortunate events of 25 May, 1997 with effect from 22 May 1998.
DONE AT CONAKRY, THIS 23RD DAY OF OCTOBER 1997
FOR THE COMMITTEE OF FIVE
OF ECOWAS ON SIERRA LEONE
Chief Tom Ikimi
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Lamine Kamara
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Guinea
FOR THE DELEGATION REPRESENTING
MAJOR JOHNNY PAUL KOROMAH
Col Abdul Karim Sesay
Secretary General AFRC
Alimamy Pallo Bangura
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
WITNESSES
For U.N.
Prof. Ibrahima Fall
Asst. Secretary-General UN
For O.A.U.
Ms. Adwoa Coleman
OAU Representative