In a major step toward strengthening democratic oversight and accountability in Sierra Leone’s security sector, civil society organizations (CSOs) have launched a strategic roadmap and established a National Coordination Platform to advance Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG).

The milestone follows a three-day workshop held in Freetown from July 14 to 16, 2025, organized by UNDP Sierra Leone in collaboration with the ECOWAS Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) Project. The workshop brought together over 30 CSOs, alongside government representatives, development partners, and technical experts, to discuss inclusive approaches to reform and sustainable security governance.

The initiative aims to enhance institutional capacity, improve coordination among civil society actors, and deepen constructive engagement with state institutions. The newly launched National CSO Coordination Platform on SSRG is designed to unify civil society efforts, promote accountability, and ensure that reforms reflect the needs and voices of communities across Sierra Leone.

“This platform marks a turning point for civil society’s role in security sector reform,” said Abdul Fartoma, Executive Director of CHRDI, who was elected Chairman of the National Coordination Platform. “Civil society organizations play a vital role in enhancing accountability and good governance by acting as watchdogs and amplifying public expectations.”

Other elected officials include:

• Dominic Boima of WANEP-SL as Secretary
• Florence Taylor-Young of LAWYERS as Public Relations Officer
• Hajie Bah of NMYEWSL and Doris Webber of WAADO as Members

The platform will operate across five thematic areas: capacity building, resource mobilization, coordination and networking, trust-building with state actors, and addressing legal, cultural, and traditional barriers to reform. A National Coordinating Team (NCT) was also launched to steer the strategic direction of the platform, foster collaboration, and amplify advocacy on security governance issues.

Participants developed an engagement strategy and detailed roadmap for operationalizing the platform, grounded in best practices and lessons learned from across West Africa. The workshop emphasized civil society’s role in monitoring reforms, advancing human rights, and fostering inclusive, community-responsive governance.

This event was convened with joint support from the UNDP Sierra Leone and The EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) Project. EPSG strengthens ECOWAS’ capacity in peacebuilding, security, and governance in West Africa. The EU co-funded project is commissioned by Germany and implemented by GIZ, EF and FIAP in partnership with ECOWAS.