Security Council welcomes Sierra Leone elections

Welcoming the elections held last week in Sierra Leone, the Security Council late on Wednesday called on all political parties and their supporters to work together to strengthen democracy and assure continuing peace in the country.

The Council’s congratulations for the peaceful and orderly way in which the elections were held came in a statement read out by its President, Foreign Minister Shunmugam Jayakumar of Singapore, at a formal meeting of the 15-member body.

“[The Council] commends the National Electoral Commission and all those responsible for the successful management of the elections, and commends UNAMSIL for their invaluable supporting role,” Mr. Jayakumar said, referring to the UN Mission in the country. “The Council notes that the various electoral observation groups were impressed by the Sierra Leonean people’s commitment to democracy and their determination to vote.”

The statement also said the Council considered the elections an important milestone on the road to peace and security in Sierra Leone and the Mano River region, which also includes Guinea and Liberia.

“The next challenge for Sierra Leone and the international community is the further consolidation of peace,” the statement said, noting that there was much still to do, including public services to make real the restoration of government authority throughout the country, improving the operational effectiveness of the security sector, and effectively reintegrating all ex-combatants into society.

“A sustained effort from the international community will be needed to achieve our shared objective of sustainable peace and security, which must be the basis for Sierra Leone’s economic regeneration and future development,” the statement added. “The Council urges all donors to contribute generously towards these ends, including by providing urgently needed funds to the Special Court and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”