CEPPS Quarterly Report: Sierra Leone USAID Associate Cooperative Agreement No. 72063618LA00001 Leader Cooperative Agreement No. AID-OAA-L-15-00007 Reporting period: October 01 to December 31, 2018

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CEPPS Program Summary – Sierra Leone Program SIERRA LEONE ELECTIONS DIALOGUE SERIES (SLEDS) Program December 18, 2017 - June 17, 2019. Dates Program Briefly describe the program theory of change. What will change look like, and which main actors theory of will bring about this change? change This section should generally not change from quarter to quarter. The exception is when there is a major scope of work change.

SLEDS will address two major challenges of this elections cycle: 1) promoting an issue-based public discourse and issue-based campaigns while enhancing citizens’ participation in debates and dialogues during the said cycle, and 2) increase the professionalism of Sierra Leone’s media and journalists.

CEPPS’ theory of change is as follows:

If citizens, including disadvantaged groups, have the then candidates will be better informed opportunity to share their views, needs, and expectations about citizen priorities when setting their through dialogues and debates in the lead-up to the policy agendas. elections If electoral stakeholders – such as political parties and then electoral stakeholders will be able candidates– are accurately informed of voter electoral to develop political platforms that concerns and priorities, address them. If the NEC and the Political Party Registration then the public will be better informed Commission (PPRC) increase interaction with and about the elections, and the dissemination of information to the public through media, transparency of the process strengthened. If presidential candidates participate in well-organized then voters can choose candidates based debates with questions based on key issues identified on policy positions rather than on ethnic by citizens, including marginalized groups, and/or regional affiliations. If voters choose candidates based on policy positions, as then elected candidates will be more likely articulated in debates and through the media, and civil to create policies that are in line with all society tracks adherence to policy positions post-election, citizens’ priorities, political agendas will be influenced by citizens’ real needs, the temptation for politician to popularity will decrease

Strengthening through Partnership use divisive, ethnic- and identity-based discourses to gain

then voters will be better positioned to Additionally, if professional and citizen . influence policy agendas and make journalists are capable of conducting investigative informed decisions during elections research and producing and disseminating high quality, objective content reflecting citizens’ social and economic priorities; and if media professionals agree on a common strategy to analyze and broadcast important political, social, and economic issues that drive political party platforms,

Program Contributing to Global EPT Objectives 1 (Promoting meaningful participation of all citizens in their objectives political systems, including women, youth and other traditionally marginalized groups) and 2 (Incorporating the comparative advantages of media and technology to promote citizen understanding, engagement, and transparent political competition).

The goal of this action is to support free and fair elections and peaceful political transition in the March 2018 presidential, parliamentary and elections in Sierra Leone through enhancing the public’s understanding of key national political, economic and social issues that are directly relevant to democratic and the electoral process. To achieve this goal, CEPPS will pursue the following two objectives: Objective 1: To increase the participation of women and disadvantaged groups in debates and dialogue sessions relating to the March 2018 general elections; Objective 2: To support increased professionalism of Sierra Leone's press and mass media coverage of March 2018 general elections.

CEPPS Quarterly Program Snapshot Key Summarize key activities undertaken during the quarter, using brief, clear and targeted bullets Activities (Max. 1-2 bullet points per Partner) this Quarter ● District-level Policy Priority meetings: CEPPS/Search in collaboration with Parliament, Constituency stakeholders, Local Councils, chiefdom authorities, women, youth and PWD groups conducted 4 constituency-level policy priority meetings (13th November - 15th December 2018) for citizens to interact with their newly elected officials, including Members of Parliament and for elected officials to provide an update on how citizen demands are being implemented. The total number of attendees was 215 (Male 132 and Female 83)

● Chiefdom-Level Public Issues Discussions: CEPPS/Search conducted 5 chiefdom-level public issues discussions (13th November - 15th December 2018) and convened 278 persons (Male 171 and female 107) including paramount chiefs, section chiefs, local

Strengthening Democracy through Partnership councilors, women, youth and PWD groups, local journalists, and local CSOs to discuss issues related to democratic participation, development and service provision.

● Violence mitigation Engagements: CEPPS/Search in collaboration with security sector institutions, political parties, district stakeholders, women and youth groups, the media, local CSOs organized 4 violence mitigation engagements (13th November - 15th December 2018) to discuss past experiences of the elections, promote peacebuilding and build a cohesive community. The total attendance was 207 (Male 121 and female 86) Key Summarize and highlight key results achieved during the quarter, using brief, clear and Results this targeted bullets (Max. 1-2 bullet points per Partner). Remember to highlight inclusion and Quarter capacity building results. • In 4 constituencies, 215 citizens (38% female, 12% youth, 9% PwD) gathered to engage elected officials, including MPs, for update on their campaign promises and action taken to address citizens demands. These meetings increased citizens understanding of Parliamentary processes and they contributed to the development of Constituency Action Plans (CAPs) for action by elected officials

• 278 persons (37% female, 14% youth, PwD 8%) participated in 5 chiefdom-level public issues discussion where citizens openly discussed issues related to mining, access to land, chieftaincy succession which were hitherto forbidden to discuss in public. In four districts, 207 persons (41% female, 25% youth, PwD 8%) participated in violence mitigation meetings which contributed to reducing the influence and effectiveness of groups perpetuating violence and encouraged political parties, youth groups to engage in non-violent ways. Key Highlight key challenges faced in program implementation this quarter using brief, clear, and Challenges targeted bullets (1-2 bullets max per partner). Remember to focus on any inclusion and capacity and building issues in particular. Constraints this • Lengthy delay from the donor to approve new activities affected project implementation. Quarter CEPPS/Search waited for six months to receive approval although its local networks mobilized communities within very short notice to implement activities

• Willingness of elected officials to participate in post-election townhall meetings where there is greater possibility to respond to questions on campaign promises, including those from the losing candidates, proved a challenge. The culture of deserting voters after elections was bridged through Search-led community platforms of engagements. This process effectively increased citizens understanding of democratic processes and increased their voices to demand accountability and better service provision

Strengthening Democracy through Partnership I. POLITICAL UPDATE RELEVANT TO PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

The post-elections environment in Sierra Leone presents a weak and fragile democracy that critically challenge the gains of the elections and the post-conflict era. The winner-takes-all culture has persisted. Political appointments, award of contracts and other favors have been awarded along ethno-regional and political party considerations. Sympathizers and supporters of the main opposition All Peoples Congress Party (APC)` have been unduly relieved of their duties, demoted or asked to proceed on untimely leave. This situation has virtually frozen out the opposition in governance leaving them with the painful wait for the next round of voting

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has mounted a crusade to prosecute all those persons (mostly from the losing APC) perceived or alleged to be involved in corrupt practice spanning 2007-2018. Although many people laud their efforts, others, especially the APC, feel haunted, targeted, harassed and molested by the way the ACC conduct its business. Recently, a senior member of the APC party and former Minister of Defense was incarcerated, dragged to court and released under stiff conditions. Many other political figures who have been subjected to such treatment although they have agreed to repay the misappropriated funds in an out of court settlement. A long list of offenders is in public circulation although most of them have fled the country. The ACC has presented a cheque of 7.5 billion Leones (US$876,000) to the President for monies recovered from corrupt people entrusted with public offices and funds

Following a bitter and riotous parliamentary debate in October 2018, parliament approved the setting up of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the conduct of the immediate past APC government from 2007 to April 2018. The APC Secretary General – Ambassador Osman F Yansaneh (by extension the APC party) has rejected the Commission of Inquiry on the grounds that APC operatives were being selected for investigation whilst the Permanent Secretaries and other officials serving in the present administration have been excluded from the Inquiry. The APC believe that the fight on corruption, is driven by witch-hunting under the pretext to round up dissenters in the guise of public interest. In the midst of this was the enforced replacement of the Chief Justice. Tongues are wagging on the intention, scope and operation of the Commission of Inquiry and its impact on the relative peace in the country. The Inter Religious Council Sierra Leone – major stakeholders in brokering peace with the Revolutionary United Front – has issued a Press Statement calling for calm

Post-elections violence perpetrated by marauding youth undermined the gains of the elections. In all the by- elections conducted, violence and intimidation is recurring. For example, Local Council Bye-election in Ward 196, Kambia district turned bloody and resulted in the death of a young boy. The SLPP and APC parties accused each other for the violence and this situation resulted in the cancellation of the polls by the electoral body, NEC. It is not clear who killed the young man in Kambia but what is certain is that, Sierra Leone’s political landscape is as tribalistically polarized today, as it was before the general and presidential elections. There are also reports of confrontation of security forces in which many civilians and police officers were seriously injured

But the policy dialogue and community engagements had positives to take away. Elected officials demonstrated willingness and commitment to participate in discussions with citizens and to develop actions plans that respond to citizens demands. Citizens are happy to get involved and the demands of women, youth and PWDs are being prioritized. But the political situation is likely going to affect the post-election engagements if the divisive, highly polarized ethno-regional tensions persist

Strengthening Democracy through Partnership II. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE

Objective 1: Increase the participation of women and disadvantaged groups in debates and dialogue sessions relating to the March 2018 general elections

District-level Policy Priority Meetings:

Activity # Planned # Implemented Completion rate District-level Policy Priority Meetings 8 4 50%

CEPPS/Search, in collaboration with young community mobilizers, conducted 4 district-level policy priority meetings (in constituencies) for citizens to interact with their newly elected officials, including Members of Parliament, and to seek update on how citizen demands are being implemented. These meetings convened Members of Parliament, Local Councils, district/constituency authorities, local CSOs, the media, representatives of youth, women, PwDs and other marginalized groups, other community members. A total of 215 persons (38% female, 12% youth, 9% PwD) gathered in townhall meetings and put questions to elected officials – mostly targeting the MPs – on their campaign promises and actions taken to address them.

In each meeting, through well-framed questions from the audience, questions were put forward to the MP in relation to: community development projects, education, livelihood opportunities, accountability, infrastructure, service provision, PWD mainstreaming and inclusion, women’s empowerment, parliamentary business and the rule of law. The MPs educated the audience about their roles and actions already taken, or in progress, in addressing citizens demands. Women and youth were very vocal about their needs and lamented how politicians have neglected their campaign promises in the past which has undermined their trust and confidence in the political processes. Discussions were facilitated by Search and conducted in the local language with parallel translations in linqua franca (Krio). A list of agreed actions with timelines were documented and will be monitored by the local CSOs. This is the first time citizens shared a platform with elected officials to ask them questions related to accountability, service provision and other citizens demands and they look forward to similar frequent engagements in the near future. These meetings reinforced Search’s local networks and increased community trust in its operations especially for creating the platform for citizens to openly participate in policy priority discussions with their elected officials. New areas of collaboration were identified and will be pursued

MP, Constituency 078 responding to citizens questions US Embassy Political Officer attending one of the meetings

Strengthening Democracy through Partnership Chiefdom-level public issues discussion

Activity # Planned # Implemented Completion rate Chiefdom-level public issue discussion 32 5 16%

CEPPS/Search conducted 5 chiefdom-level public issue discussions for 278 people (37% female, 14% youth, PwD 8%) to discuss issues related to democratic participation, chiefdom development and service provision. The meetings convened paramount chiefs, town/section chiefs, chiefdom stakeholders, women, youth and PwD groups, local councils, the media, local CSOs. Discussions were facilitated by Search and conducted in the local language with parallel translations in linqua franca (Krio). Discussion issues include: chiefdom development projects, access to land, access to revenue from mining operations (for those chiefdoms with minerals), chiefdom succession, health and infrastructure, education and livelihood opportunities, inclusion and participation in chiefdom discussions, rape, sexual harassment and child abuse, child marriage, religious tolerance and elections disputes. Each meeting was well mobilized by local youth volunteers and in Mange Bureh and Lower Bambara chiefdoms for example, the responded to questions on the slow pace of development since the end of the civil conflict. The de-amalgamation of chiefdoms ahead of the March 2018 elections left some chiefdoms completely stripped off social infrastructure and had to start from scratch to have hospitals, community centers, schools and other amenities. These meetings increased citizens engagements with authorities and provided an opportunity to discuss issues that were regarded as ‘no-go area’. Local CSOs will monitor agreed actions and the media will provide additional commentary in support of the meeting points for more sustained action

Female Councilor on female empowerment in Bureh chiefdom Female PwD pressing for inclusion in Maforki chiefdom

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Violence Mitigation Engagements:

Activity # Planned # Implemented Completion rate Violence Mitigation Engagements 32 4 13%

CEPPS/Search conducted 4 post-elections violence mitigation engagements for 207 persons (41% female, 25% youth, PwD 8%) and invited security sector institutions, political parties, local councils, district and chiefdom stakeholders, youth groups, PwDs, local CSOs, religious leaders, the media. The purpose of the meetings was to discuss the post-election security challenges referencing the activities of youth groups for a more sustained action that builds on national cohesion, peacebuilding and development. These local level inclusive peace promotion and awareness raising meetings ensured that youth and other marginalized groups play a lead role in facilitating the dialogue sessions as well as ensure high participation of women and other community stakeholders. The aim is to break the highly polarized ethno-regional and political divide evident during the elections and to build peace and national healing after the elections. Hotspots of electoral violence were mapped with direct engagement of youth gangs, community stakeholders and other relevant security sector institutions. A question and answer session conducted in the local language identified the key triggers and drivers of violence. Past experiences which threatened the successful completion of the electoral process and peaceful community co-existence were also highlighted and discussed. Local violence mitigation approaches were developed with the aim of having resilient and inclusive communities promoting peaceful outcome processes. Local IRN radio stations (most of them in partnership with Search) will continue to broadcast peace messages

Violence mitigation engagement in Weima chiefdom Violence mitigation engagement in Sebora chiefdom

Strengthening Democracy through Partnership III. RESULTS ACHIEVED FROM PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF PROGRESS TOWARD ACHIEVING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES (BY OBJECTIVE & INTERMEDIATE RESULT)

SLEDS Objective 1: to increase the participation of women and disadvantaged groups in debates and dialogue sessions related to the Sierra Leone March 2018 general elections.

IR 1.5 Newly elected officials engage with citizens and key stakeholders to discuss plans for and progress made in addressing priority issues of citizens, particularly women, youth and PWDs, identified in the pre-election period.

Citizens priorities were presented to political candidates through election debates, dialogue sessions and townhall meetings where politicians promised to include such priorities in their political agenda. CEPPS/Search created the platform for the rare opportunity for citizens to engage newly elected officials on their campaign promises. And in well attended townhall meetings, using well designed questions framed out of politician’s election promises, newly elected officials especially MPs, responded to questions from the audience. There was no denial on those promises although many of them, especially first time MPs were less informed about their role. Most of the MPs have started implementing citizens priorities although budget considerations (caused mainly by the cancellation of the Constituency Development Fund; a small grant offered by the government to support MPs carry out community projects) have hampered progress. For instance, evidence is that the government-led free education initiative is been enforced at local level through the introduction of bylaws to ensure compliance. Individually- funded community projects are being implemented and citizens increasingly aware of the role and limitations of their elected officials. In the face of these limitations, elected officials accommodated citizens in developing action plans with clear timelines and role responsibilities. Citizens priorities especially those of women, youth and PwDs are integrated into development plans. Such priorities include: a) Disability mainstreaming b) formation of inclusive development committees c) women’s empowerment through the provision of small loans for livelihood opportunities d) skills training opportunities for youth e) Engage big scale companies to fully implement their Corporate Social Responsibilities f) Lobby with national government for equitable distribution of resources g) Improve service provision. Citizens felt consulted in the development of the plans which eventually increased their voices and participation in the roll out phases

At the chiefdom-level meetings, citizens engaged local authorities (Paramount chiefs, newly elected local Councilors, district and council chairpersons) to implement citizens demands as identified during the electoral process. Such priorities include: water supply, affordable health care, education, improved infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, disability mainstreaming. But the meetings also provided the opportunity to discuss other matters like chieftaincy succession, mining disputes, child marriage – which are a rarity for public discussion and opinion. Women, youth, PWDs and other marginalized groups participated in the discussions which eventually increased their voices but their demand for inclusion in the implementation process and as well as support the monitoring processes, which received ultimate approval, is a big leap and demonstration of inclusive governance

The electoral process was affected by unique security challenges. Youth-led marauding gangs were involved in electoral violence and inter/intra party rivalry often leads to loss of lives. Community-level violence mitigation engagements provided an opportunity to map hotspots of violence and directly engage these groups to identify the drivers and triggers of violence and collectively find solutions that promote national healing and build social cohesion. CEPPS/Search facilitated discussions convened youth gangs, security sector institutions, local

Strengthening Democracy through Partnership stakeholders, women and PwD groups, local CSOs and designed common ways of cooperation for peaceful co- existence. Videos and anecdotes of electoral violence were screened to reinforce the message and emphasize why communities should remain peaceful. Women, youth and PwDs condemned every form of violence; narrating their experiences but also emphasizing the benefits of peace. As part of the meeting action points, CEPPS/Search should engage politicians and political parties (they were accused of supporting youth gangs) to end all forms of support directed to youth groups and provide them livelihood opportunities to contribute to national development

IV. ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS

i) Delay in the approval of new activities: CEPPS/Search had completed all elections related activities but the post-election environment presented unique opportunities to leverage the successes of the townhall meetings and other policy dialogue engagements – at district and chiefdom levels – which will contribute to the democratic process and build peace following a deeply fought and divisive political campaign. Following an internal review, which included local CSOs, local stakeholders and partners, CEPPS/Search proposed a new set of activities (District-level policy priority meetings, chiefdom-level engagements, violence mitigation meetings) reflecting the post-election environment for approval by the donor. But the delay in approval of these activities constrained CEPPS/Search relationship with local networks and communities who relied on Search’s leadership to provide the platform for engagement with new officials on their campaign promises. A timely approval would have allowed proper planning and coordination for effective engagement and improved results

ii) Availability of Members of Parliament to engage: The culture of deserting voters after elections persisted. Public accountability is still being nurtured and because the policy priority meetings are designed to remind MPs of their campaign commitments and how citizens demands are being implemented, many of them are less committed and convinced to participate. Some are still honed in their bureaucratic political party processes, especially the first time MPs. If newly elected officials engage, there is increased likelihood that they will take into consideration citizens’ voices - including those of women, youth, PWDs and other marginalized groups, for more sustained action. This process will eventually build citizens trust and confidence in the democratic process, increase their participation and improve service delivery outcomes

iii) Limited participation of Political Parties: Apart from the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), the opposition are less committed to participate in post-election engagements. The ‘winner-takes all culture’ has virtually put the opposition outside governance; leaving them to look forward to the next round of elections, to be held in 5years. These meetings could have been used to engage newly elected officials and keep them on their toes to deliver on campaign promises. The fact that the opposition parties are less engaging, it leaves the ruling SLPP to exploit the situation and introduce weak policies against the wishes of citizens.

iv) Post-elections violence and intimidation

Post-elections violence and intimidation was widespread especially in the districts of Kenema, Tonkolili, Bombali, Kono and Kambia. In Kono and Kailahun for example, strongholds of the ruling SLPP, All Peoples Congress party supporters were chased out of the district when the final results

Strengthening Democracy through Partnership were announced. There were reprisal attacks of SLPP supporters in strongholds of the opposition and this divided opinion and caused a huge humanitarian situation. By-elections in Kambia and Tonkolili districts turned bloody and resulted in deaths. There are several incidents of violence-related incidents which affected project activities. In collaboration with local stakeholders, mediation and conflict mitigation efforts are de-escalating tensions

v) High expectations from citizens

Following a long history of inefficient service delivery and weak governance institutions, citizens expectations from elected officials is very high. Citizens lack knowledge about the role and responsibilities of MPs and parliamentary functions. They are less patient with their elected officials to implement their demands. In some community meetings, citizens were demanding a quick fix to their demands with stiff delivery timelines. The unguarded campaign promises of the MPs is a causal factor and attempts to clarify the situation, undermined citizens trust and confidence in the MPs and the democratic process

V. SUCCESS STORIES

Bureh-Makonteh United Disable Association: A case of identity in the face of adversity

The Bureh-Makonteh United Disable Association (BMUDA); is a new community-based group of persons with disability in Bureh chiefdom; a beacon of hope in a society with negative attitudes to PWDs

Persons with Disability make 10% of the population in Sierra Leone mainly because of the civil war that devastated the country for a decade. They face multi forms of discrimination and abuse; including extreme poverty. Historically, disability has been attributed to a curse and in some communities, children born with any form of disability are prevented from celebrating their first birthday. This negative attitude has permeated society; limiting PWDs to live in shanty settlements with limited social and economic opportunities

The Sierra Leone Elections Dialogue Series (SLEDS) project activities (debates and dialogue sessions) funded by USAID provided the rare opportunity for PWDs to interact freely and demand for their rights. In townhall meetings, reflections around the Citizen’s Manifesto and PWD Agenda – documents developed by a Consortium of seven civil society organizations led by Search for Common Ground - for more constructive actions by politicians, stimulated discussions and provided insights on key issues affecting PWDs. Although PwDs demanded inclusion and participation in the political process, yet, they were more concerned with politicians committing to inclusion and disability mainstreaming at all levels

The BMUDA was formed following the elections engagement to serve as an umbrella organization for the voice of PwDs and to seek collaboration with local authorities in relation to: access to inclusive quality education, access to loans, health care facilities, access to livelihood opportunities, inclusive participation in chiefdom matters and improved service delivery. The Association is made up of 65 people with an Executive that comprised: Chairman, Amadu Wurie Jalloh, a Chairlady Rebecca Kamara, Treasurer Mabinty Sesay, Secretary Abdul S. Koroma and the following members: Ibrahim Sesay, Bai Bangura, Mohamed Kamara and Ya Alimamy Conteh. The Chairman, Mr. Amadu Wurie Jalloh said “the formation of BMUDA is to give a voice to PWDs to demand their rights in a non-violent way”.

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The project activities contributed to noticeable significant shift in attitudes toward PWDs in the chiefdom. For example, the President of the Bike Riders Association (BRA), Victor Sesay, is a disable person from BMUDA. This is an important stakeholder position mostly given to non-disable persons. Also, PWDs sit in four of the chiefdom development committees and they just don’t make up the numbers. A section chief, chief Abdul Fonti said “if we don’t encourage our brothers and sisters to sit and eat with us, who will”? In a recent post-election engagement in the chiefdom, a local councilor revealed his plans in working with PWDs and bemoaned the inaction of his predecessors in promoting the rights of PWDs

BMUDA has started the paper work to formally register with the two statutory bodies – the Kambia District Council and the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs. When this process is completed, BMUDA will become a legal entity to seek collaboration with NGOs, government and private institutions, the local community and will continue to advocate for the rights of PWDs; promoting local level inclusion and disability mainstreaming

Cross section of the BMUDA Executive

VI. ANNEXES

ANNEX 1: Performance Management Plan Update

ANNEX 2: Workplan Update

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