The Act, Mandate, Functions & Powers of the Commission

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion was established by an Act of Parliament in December 2020.

• To devise strategies and measures to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts and to build, promote and maintain sustainable peace through national cohesion in Sierra Leone.
• Advise Government and partners on policies that foster peace and inclusion.
• Coordinate national peace and cohesion initiatives to avoid duplication and strengthen collaboration.

A Sierra Leone that is just, peaceful and cohesive.

• To facilitate peaceful coexistence, equity and inclusivity.
• To build a network of competencies for conflict prevention, resolution and management for national development.
• To build, promote and maintain sustainable peace in Sierra Leone.

• Undertake measures to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts.
• Build, promote and maintain sustainable peace in Sierra Leone.
• Advise the Government of Sierra Leone on all aspects of conflict resolution and peace.
• Promote peace, reconciliation and unity in Sierra Leone.
• Build peace cultures, enhance tolerance and support peaceful resolution of conflicts throughout Sierra Leone.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations and adopt measures to facilitate full implementation.
• Advise Government on the formulation and implementation of policies relating to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and conflict resolution.
• Develop programs and provide services that promote awareness activities in local communities, schools and local administrations.
• Take into account local stakeholders’ interests in crisis management.
• Sensitize local communities on land conservation needs and socio-economic issues.
• Address causes of discrimination, intolerance, negativity and ethnic perceptions.
• Promote respect for religious, cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Develop procedures and mechanisms to facilitate dialogue among political parties, communities and organizations.
• Receive complaints from the public on violence, inequality or injustice and take appropriate measures for redress.
• Develop mechanisms for early warning signs and take preventive measures against threats.
• Provide amicable conflict resolution through alternative dispute resolution, including indigenous dispute resolution.
• Foster Government and non-governmental partnerships in conflict prevention, management and resolution.
• Provide frameworks for mainstreaming national cohesion and integration into national development programs.

• Enforce the attendance of witnesses and examine them under oath or affirmation.
• Compel the production of documents and other relevant pieces of evidence.
• Issue commissions or requests to examine witnesses abroad.

The Executive Secretary shall:

• Provide overall leadership in the conduct and management of the day-to-day activities of the Commission.
• Initiate and maintain high-level contact with interested parties, both local and international.
• Monitor and supervise the preparation of annual budgets and reports for Board approval.
• Oversee the work and discipline of staff of the Commission.
• Appoint staff as may be required by the Commission.
• Enter into agreements with independent bodies or agencies for carrying out the functions of the Commission.
• Keep proper books of accounts and records relating to activities, property and finances of the Commission.
• Prepare statutory financial statements for each financial year of the Commission.