UN Security Council extends mission in Sierra Leone for six months

The Security Council today unanimously agreed to extend for six months the mandate of the United Nations mission in Sierra Leone and stressed the importance of continued support to the West African country’s Government in consolidating stability, reintegrating ex-combatants, repatriating refugees and respecting human rights and the rule of law.

The Council endorsed a recommendation by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to extend the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) beginning this 30 September, given the need to continue the gradual drawdown of the peacekeeping force without jeopardizing the security situation in the country torn apart by a decade-long civil war.

In adopting the resolution, the 15-member body welcomed the increasing security in Sierra Leone and encouraged “further progress towards strengthening the capacity of the Sierra Leone Police and armed forces to maintain security and stability independently.”

It commended UNAMSIL for the progress made to date in the adjustments to its size, composition and deployment and welcomed the Secretary-General’s intention to continue with these adjustments.

Noting that lasting stability in Sierra Leone will depend on peace in the subregion, especially in Liberia, the Council emphasized the importance of cooperation among the regional countries to this end, as well as the need for coordination of UN efforts to contribute to the consolidation of security.

Members expressed strong support for “the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) towards building peace in the subregion, and encourages the Presidents of the Mano River Union member States to resume dialogue and to implement their commitments to building regional peace and security.”

The Council also expressed its appreciation to those Member States providing troops, civilian police personnel and support elements to UNAMSIL and those who have made commitments to do so.

Video of Security Council meeting