AYV News, July 17, 2025
In a bid to strengthen civil society’s involvement in Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG) in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project, has hosted a three-day national workshop in Freetown.
The workshop, which commenced on Monday, 14th July 2025, at the Atlantic Lumley Beach Hotel, brought together representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Government institutions, development partners and technical experts. It aims to enhance collaboration and promote inclusive, transparent and accountable security governance in the country. The event concludes today, 16th July 2025.
The EPSG Project co-funded by the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is implemented by GIZ, Expertise France and FIAP, in partnership with ECOWAS. The project seeks to strengthen Peacebuilding, security and governance capacity across West Africa.
In his remarks, UNDP Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah, emphasized the importance of trust between citizens and security institutions, stating that, “A security sector is only as strong as the trust people have in it. When citizens feel safe and believe in fairness and accountability, peace and progress take root.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone in reforming security institutions, highlighting UNDP’s ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Office of National Security, the Sierra Leone Police and the Correctional Service.
Fredrick Ampiah further commended the European Union, the German Government, ECOWAS and GIZ for their collaborative support through the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project. He noted that the workshop presents a vital opportunity for civil society to shape people-centered security policies through dialogue, policy monitoring and advocacy.
Farrel Elliot, Finance Manager of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Resident Representative, reaffirmed the regional body’s commitment to democratic governance and inclusive security sector reform.
He emphasized that Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG) is not merely a technical process but a fundamental political and societal transformation. “It requires inclusive dialogue, robust oversight and strong partnerships among Government institutions, international partners and most importantly civil society,” he stated.
Farrel Elliot reminded participants that ECOWAS’s Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance affirms the indispensable role of civil society in upholding democratic values and ensuring transparent and inclusive governance. He described the workshop not just as a coordination platform but as “a reaffirmation of the principle that security must serve the people and governance must be rights-based and inclusive.”
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s post-conflict journey, he highlighted the country’s wealth of experience in rebuilding public trust and institutions lessons, he noted, that can benefit other ECOWAS member states.
He concluded by encouraging participants to collaborate and innovate. “The strength of civil society lies not only in advocacy but in your ability to propose viable solutions, monitor reforms, and bridge the gap between citizens and the state,” Farrel Elliot said, reaffirming ECOWAS’s ongoing support for people-centered reforms across the region.
German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jens Kraus-Massé, lauded the Government of Sierra Leone for the official launch of its National Security Policy and Strategy (NSPS), describing it as a “significant milestone” in the country’s commitment to peace, stability and national development.
He extended congratulations on behalf of the German Government, praising President Julius Maada Bio and national leadership for their dedication to advancing security and good governance.
“This milestone is a testament to the collaborative efforts among Government institutions, security agencies, civil society and international partners,” he said. “It reflects Sierra Leone’s proactive response to both traditional and emerging security threats, including terrorism, transnational crime and cyber insecurity.”
He emphasized that the new security strategy prioritizes inclusivity, human rights and community-centered approaches, placing ordinary citizens and local communities at the heart of the country’s security efforts.
Ambassador Jens Kraus-Massé also stressed the importance of wide dissemination and implementation of the NSPS, calling for continued political will, institutional capacity-building and meaningful stakeholder engagement especially with marginalized and vulnerable populations.
He reaffirmed the German Government’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s security reforms through the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) Project, co-funded by the European Union. The project supports border management, resilience building and regional security cooperation.
Director of Policy and Coordination at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mohamed Yoki described CSOs as essential to fostering national unity and trust in state institutions. “Civil Society builds the bridge between policy and people,” he said urging CSOs to continue holding institutions accountable.
Over three days, participants engaged in breakout sessions and panel discussions designed to generate actionable recommendations for integrating CSOs more meaningfully into SSRG processes.
