Secretary-General outlines plan for reduced UN presence in Sierra Leone

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has presented detailed proposals for reducing the number of staff at the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), which is due to be replaced by a leaner integrated political office in September.

In a letter to the President of the Security Council, Mr. Ban proposed reducing the staff of UNIOSIL by 62 posts, or 20 per cent, by 31 March. These posts would comprise 15 international staff, 43 national staff and four UN volunteers.

The letter added that following the local government elections scheduled to be held on 5 July, UNIOSIL will gradually draw down its remaining personnel, while ensuring a smooth transition to the integrated political office.

Mr. Ban spelled out the remaining key tasks for UNIOSIL, including assisting the Government of Sierra Leone in conducting local elections, monitoring the security situation in the country and strengthening the capacity of the security sector, promoting transparency and accountability, monitoring and promoting the rule of law, and fostering a culture of peace, dialogue and participation through UN Radio.