STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY
THE PRESIDENT
ALHAJI DR AHMAD TEJAN KABBAH
AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF
THREE KEY SECURITY SECTOR REFORM
DOCUMENTS FOR SIERRA LEONE
THURSDAY 26TH MAY , 2005

SALUTATIONS:

As you are aware, my government, since the end of the civil conflict, has been faced with many challenges, including the need to transform the security sector to make it respond adequately to threats to the state and its citizenry especially in the face of UNAMSIL's final withdrawal. I also appreciate the creation of the enabling environment for poverty reduction. The underlying tenet is that security is the umbrella under which peace and development can thrive. It is therefore no accident that the Security Sector Review (SSR) forms the detail of the first pillar of the PRSP - and this is for the first time ever.

In this regard, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me formally express my sincere gratitude to all of you for honouring our invitation, to witness the official launching of three key security sector reform documents for Sierra Leone: Report of the Sierra Leone Security Sector Review (SSR), 2005; the Protective Security Manual for Government Ministries and Departments; and the Standard Response Guidelines for the National Security Architecture. These documents are meant to provide the basis for the restructuring and development of our security institutions including key line ministries, the effective coordination of our national security architecture, and for future considerations in the process of formulating a comprehensive National Security Policy for Sierra Leone.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I decided to personally address you on this launching ceremony to once more demonstrate the level of my political commitment for the Security Sector reform process, bearing in mind the need to maintain internal peace, security and safety of our people and protecting the territorial integrity of the state.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

You may recall that one of the most adverse by-products of our civil conflict was the complete break down of our national security apparatus, with its attendant wanton destruction of life and property and the disintegration of both the infrastructure and the morale of the entire state security institutions. In the course of the conflict, what remained of these institutions lost the confidence and trust of the people for whom they were created. Some of these institutions became ineffective and unreliable whilst others became simply dysfunctional due to gross neglect. There was therefore an urgent need to redesign and rehabilitate our security sector apparatus.

As a Government, our current desire is to meet demands for public security that would create the enabling environment for attracting private sector development, sustainable development and poverty reduction, and to contribute towards the global collective security agenda as expressed by the UN Secretary General. To achieve this critical task, Government continues to stir a comprehensive national security reform strategy that links various stakeholders in a coordinated fashion in analysing, discussing, and making critical decisions on our national security. Several achievements have been made in this direction:

At the strategic policy level, my Government, through an Act of Parliament promulgated the "National Security and Central Intelligence Act, 2002" which established the Office of National Security (ONS). This office functions as the Secretariat for the National Security Council (NSC) of which I am Chair, with the Vice President, and other key Ministers of Government being primary members. I am proud to say that ONS is doing well in coordinating the affairs of our national security, including intelligence gathering and analysis.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Let me also take this opportunity to thank our development partners in the security sector, particularly DFID, IMATT, the Commonwealth, the USA and the World Bank in seeing through the successful completion of the DDR programme and for their continuous support towards the restructuring and capacity building of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and ONS. Our Government is determined to have a well-trained and equipped SLP; a flexible and robust RSLAF before the departure of UNAMSIL, and a capable coordinating body in the form of ONS.

Our additional desire is to see the RSLAF committed to Peace Support Operations (PSOs) at the ECOWAS, AU and UN levels, while at the same time fulfilling its traditional security role of the defence of Sierra Leone's territorial integrity.

At the operational level, Government has instituted the Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP) Policy. The MACP policy stresses the need for the Sierra Leone Police to take the lead in internal security while the RSLAF stands ready to assist where necessary but concentrate largely on defending the territorial integrity of the country. The policy reflects the current nature of threats to our security, which is mainly internal. I am again proud to say that crime rates and subversive acts have been reduced significantly through the relentless efforts of the SLP in collaboration with the wider security sector and an increased level of public awareness.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Let me once more reiterate that my Government is committed to undertake these reforms because of the awareness that after almost eleven (11) years of destructive war, there is need to have a well structured, well-equipped and well-coordinated national security apparatus. It is an established axiom today that there could be no sustainable development without security. Put the other way round, security must form the bedrock of any meaningful development.

Therefore, it stands to reason why my government is very much appreciative of the manner in which security is currently being coordinated as illustrated in the National Security Coordinator's presentation. This process I believe will continue to increase the level of understanding among security forces and agencies of the need to consider issues of "Collective human Security" and the actions required to be taken within the framework of democratic principles.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

The three documents I am about to launch as already expressed by the National Security Coordinator have been developed as a framework for effective coordination and management of our National Security Structure, and for future consideration in the process of formulating a comprehensive National Security Policy for Sierra Leone. These documents emphasise early warning signals to mitigate political, military, social, economic and environmental threats in post conflict Sierra Leone.

In brief, the first document, Security Sector Review (SSR), 2005 Report provides the medium to long-term roadmap for the security sector and prescribes the overarching strategy for transformation of the security forces. It is my fervent belief that the recommendations of the SSR will help us as a Government to achieve significant successes in key policy areas of decentralisation and the PRSP implementation. This is a baseline security document from which more specific reviews will follow.

The second document, the Protective Security Manual has been prepared to show us the measures we need to take to protect our key national assets and information apparatus. Often, and rightly so, we have accused ourselves of having negative culture and attitude towards public assets and information, and this we have demonstrated in a variety of ways. My Government has taken the challenge to fight against this negative perception and to put in place measures that will adequately safeguard public assets. These measures are what we have outlined in the Protective Security Manual.

The third document is the Standard Response Guidelines for the National Security Architecture. It provides us with the aide memoir for decision-making at the strategic level on matters of national security. The document provides us a holistic approach of the structure and composition required for effective civilian democratic governance, coordination and oversight of our national security.

Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen:

The recommendations of these documents collectively re-emphasise that meaningful reduction in poverty and overall development of Sierra Leone rest on a strong and efficient security system. It is the hope and desire of all of us, therefore that a secure, peaceful and stable society would provide an "enabling environment" for the implementation of my government's pro-poverty reduction programme. The enabling environment here refers to the conditions in civil society which would foster a positive and thriving economic base, underpinned with strong security guarantees that can arouse business confidence both at home and overseas. The net effect being to create an atmosphere which is so positive that job creation becomes self-generating in line with sustained growth in the economy.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

In concluding, I wish to send out special messages about the government's Security Sector Reform Vision:

First, to all Cabinet Ministers: The current Security Sector Reform process will assist our Government to achieve two central policies: Decentralisation and the PRSP process. I believe the implementation of recommendations of the three documents I am about to launch will increase public confidence in the security environment. I would therefore rely on your full support and participation in their development. We need to be mindful however of affordability and sustainability issues in reforming the security sector.

For those Ministries that are not directly involved with the decision-making process in the security sector, I suggest that you view the outcome of the Sierra Leone Security Sector Reform processes as a national output for national good, directly linked to the PRSP. In effect, improving security should greatly assist development and economic regeneration. The implementation of the recommendations in the three documents must be seen as a team effort and capacity building opportunity, which must be recognised favourably by donors and external institutions alike.

Second, to the International Community and donor partners: I believe the documents, especially the SSR findings, directly support the first priority pillar of the PRSP - the Security and Governance pillar. This serves as a groundbreaking inclusion of the security sector in the PRSP processes, for the very first time in this country and provides a unique harmonization of priorities for national development, affordability and opportunity. The broad consultative and inclusive nature of the SSR process and the resulting recommendations serve as a confidence building measure in the Sierra Leone Security Sector.

Thirdly, to Senior Security Sector Officials: I would like to remind you that under the direction of the National Security Council (NSC)/National Security Council Coordinating Group (NSCCG), the ONS and all related senior officials and Ministries should work as one body towards achieving our national security goals. The inclusive, consultative process of the review of threats to our national security must continue. Everybody must be involved in the information flow in an accountable and transparent way to serve our country's best interests.

Fourth, to the Parliamentary Defence and Security Committee: I would like you to feel able to play your vital role of oversight of the security institutions and agencies of Sierra Leone on behalf of the electorate and your constituencies.

Finally, to Civil Society, Media and the Public: there is a key role for you in making sure our nation is safe and secure, as the emphasis of the new security architecture is on human security. The public has been fully involved in the formulation of national security issues and procedures. We will continue to involve and include you all in the reform process. The SSR process and the resulting improved security sector is there to serve you, the people. Security is no longer a "secret"; it is a public service, requiring public support and increased public confidence for the good of the general public.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

In conclusion, I should like to say how pleased I am for the professionalism displayed by the Office of National Security (ONS), the National Security Council Coordinating Group (NSCCG), the Security Sector Working Group Secretariat, for their commitment and relentless efforts in conducting consultative meetings throughout the country, and for driving the entire processes forward. Similarly, I wish to once more express my appreciation and that of the people of Sierra Leone to our Development Partners for their professional guidance and for facilitating the process in the preparation of these documents, particularly, the SSR.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Let me conclude by reiterating that "Development needs Security just as Security needs Development". The successful implementation of polices and recommendations outlined in these three documents must be a priority for all Sierra Leoneans.

At this juncture I am delighted to officially launch these three security sector reform documents.

I thank you for your attention.

==========================