Economic Community of West African States six-month peace plan for Sierra Leone (23 October 1997-22 April 1997) (Conakry Peace Plan)

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Country/entity: Sierra Leone
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Economic Community of West African States six-month peace plan for Sierra Leone (23 October 1997-22 April 1997) (Conakry Peace Plan)
Date: 23 Oct 1997
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Sierra Leone Civil War (1991 – 2002)
In March 1991, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) launched an armed assault in an attempt to oust the corrupt regime of Joseph Momoh. Grievances were primarily focused on unequal distribution of economic goods. RUF took over large areas by 1992, the poor government response instigating a coup d’état in 1992. After 1993 the RUF gained and lost territory in waves. In 1996, following an intervention on behalf of the government by the private military company, Executive Outcomes, the Abidjan Agreement was signed. Another coup in 1997, however, sparked new fighting and the RUF alongside the new government captured Freetown. Despite declarations that the war had ended, the international community intervened. The Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) recaptured Freetown on behalf of the government. The Lome Peace Accord was signed in 1999, issuing a power-sharing deal, but by 2000 RUF was once again advancing towards Freetown. As the UN mission floundered, the UK government stepped in and by January 2002, the civil war was declared to be over.
Stage: Implementation/renegotiation
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: Sierra Leone peace process
Parties: For the ECOWAS Committee of Five on Sierra Leone:
(Signed) Tom IKIMI, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria;
(Signed) Lamine KAMARA, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Guinea

For the delegation representing Major Johnny Paul Koromah Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) regime in Sierra Leone:
(Signed) Abdul Karim SESAY, Secretary-General, AFRC;
(Signed) Alimamy Pallo BANGURA, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Third parties: Witnesses
For the United Nations:
(Signed) Ibrahima FALL, Assistant Secretary-General

For the Organization of African Unity:
(Signed) Adwoa COLEMAN, OAU Representative
Description: An agreement in which the parties adopt the ECOWAS six-month plan for Sierra Leone, and agree to continue negotiations towards effective and prompt implementation of the peace plan. Areas covered in the agreement include cessation of hostilities; DDR; humanitarian assistance; return of refugees and displaced persons; restoration of the constitutional government and broadening of the power base; and immunities and guarantees.

Agreement document: SL_971023_ConakryPeacePlan.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
Page 1, PREAMBLE, 4. Return of refugees and displaced persons: Commencement date: 1 December 1997, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)- assisted repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons.

Page 2. ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 4. Return of refugees and displaced persons: Recognizing that refugees, particularly those in neighbouring countries, may wish to return voluntarily following the cessation of hostilities, UNHCR assistance should begin from 1 December 1997.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 5. Restoration of constitutional Government and broadening of the power base: The restoration of constitutional order to Sierra Leone is at the heart of the ECOWAS peace plan. Consequently, it is considered necessary that the Government of Tejan Kabbah should be enabled to exercise effective control once he is restored to office on 22 April 1998. Nevertheless, it is recognized that for an enduring peace to be restored which will enjoy the support of the majority of Sierra Leoneans and the confidence of the subregion, efforts should be made to ensure that an all-inclusive Government is evolved. In this regard, the goodwill and assistance of the international community, both financial and material, would be necessary.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 3. Humanitarian assistance: Considering that sanctions/embargoes will be strictly enforced throughout the period of the implementation of the Sierra Leone peace plan, the flows of humanitarian assistance beginning on 14 November 1997 will continue to be monitored by ECOMOG and United Nations military observers. To this effect a mechanism will be established by ECOMOG to facilitate the flows of humanitarian assistance. All this will be worked out within the context of a Security Council resolution.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 5. Restoration of constitutional Government and broadening of the power base:
...

Furthermore, in order to accommodate the aspirations of their supporters, board and senior civil service appointments are to reflect broad national character.
All the above power-sharing formulae should come into effect on 22 April 1998.
Constitution: Governance→Constitution→Constitution affirmation/renewal
Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 5. Restoration of constitutional Government and broadening of the power base: The restoration of constitutional order to Sierra Leone is at the heart of the ECOWAS peace plan. Consequently, it is considered necessary that the Government of Tejan Kabbah should be enabled to exercise effective control once he is restored to office on 22 April 1998. Nevertheless, it is recognized that for an enduring peace to be restored which will enjoy the support of the majority of Sierra Leoneans and the confidence of the subregion, efforts should be made to ensure that an all-inclusive Government is evolved. In this regard, the goodwill and assistance of the international community, both financial and material, would be necessary.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: Power sharing→Political power sharing→Executive coalition
State level
Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN,
5. Restoration of constitutional Government and broadening of the power base

The restoration of constitutional order to Sierra Leone is at the heart of the ECOWAS peace plan.

Consequently, it is considered necessary that the Government of Tejan Kabbah should be enabled to exercise effective control once he is restored to office on 22 April 1998. Nevertheless, it is recognized that for an enduring peace to be restored which will enjoy the support of the majority of Sierra Leoneans and the confidence of the subregion, efforts should be made to ensure that an
all-inclusive Government is evolved. In this regard, the goodwill and assistance of international community, both financial and
material, would be necessary.

The interest of the various parties in Sierra Leone should be suitably accommodated. Accordingly, it is recommended that the new Cabinet should be a cabinet of inclusion.

Furthermore, in order to accommodate the aspirations of their supporters, board and senior civil service appointments are to reflect broad national character.

All the above power-sharing formulae should come into effect on
22 April 1998.

It is recognized that Corporal Fodey Sankoh as a leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) could continue to play an active role and participate in the peace process. In the spirit of the Abidjan Accord and in the context of this agreement, Corporal Sankoh is expected to return to his country to make his contribution to the peace process.
Power sharing→Political power sharing→Other proportionality
State level
Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 5. Restoration of constitutional Government and broadening of the power base:
. ..
Furthermore, in order to accommodate the aspirations of their supporters, board and senior civil service appointments are to reflect broad national character.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 3. Humanitarian assistance: Considering that sanctions/embargoes will be strictly enforced throughout the period of the implementation of the Sierra Leone peace plan, the flows of humanitarian assistance beginning on 14 November 1997 will continue to be monitored by ECOMOG and United Nations military observers. To this effect a mechanism will be established by ECOMOG to facilitate the flows of humanitarian assistance. All this will be worked out within the context of a Security Council resolution.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 1, PREAMBLE, 3. Commencement of humanitarian assistance: 14 November 1997
- Note. ECOMOG to monitor the process.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: Page 1, PREAMBLE, 4. Return of refugees and displaced persons: Commencement date: 1 December 1997, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)- assisted repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons.

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 4. Return of refugees and displaced persons: Recognizing that refugees, particularly those in neighbouring countries, may wish to return voluntarily following the cessation of hostilities, UNHCR assistance should begin from 1 December 1997.

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 5. Restoration of constitutional Government and broadening of the power base: The restoration of constitutional order to Sierra Leone is at the heart of the ECOWAS peace plan. Consequently, it is considered necessary that the Government of Tejan Kabbah should be enabled to exercise effective control once he is restored to office on 22 April 1998. Nevertheless, it is recognized that for an enduring peace to be restored which will enjoy the support of the majority of Sierra Leoneans and the confidence of the subregion, efforts should be made to ensure that an all-inclusive Government is evolved. In this regard, the goodwill and assistance of the international community, both financial and
material, would be necessary...

Page 3, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 6. Reintegration of combatants: All those who disarm as a result of the implementation of the peace process should be provided with either job training to fit them for alternative employment or given scholarships and grants for further education. Access to education at all levels should be made available to all demobilized persons. Ex-combatants should be provided with assistance to facilitate their reintegration into their communities. We strongly appeal to the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), ECOWAS and indeed the international community to render appropriate assistance to achieve this objective.

Page 3, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 7. Donor appeals for emergency humanitarian assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation: The United Nations and OAU, in cooperation with ECOWAS, are requested to launch these appeals as soon as hostilities cease.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
The agreement provides for an immediate permanent ceasefire (commencing 23/10/1997)

Page 1, PREAMBLE, 1. Cessation of hostilities throughout Sierra Leone:
(a) With immediate effect;
(b) Establish monitoring and verification mechanism.
Note. Process to be undertaken by the ECOWAS Military Observer Group (ECOMOG), and United Nations military observers. The participation of United Nations military observers requires the agreement of the United Nations Security Council.

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 1. Cessation of hostilities:
It is considered that cessation of hostilities should come into force immediately. However, this will have to be accompanied by a monitoring and verification regime. Leaders of the various combatant units will be expected to disseminate information concerning these measures and ensure compliance with them. These measures will be supervised by ECOMOG, assisted by a United Nations military observer group. The verification process will continue right up to the termination of the peace plan, that is, until 22 April 1998.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→DDR programmes
Page 1, PREAMBLE, 2. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants: 1-31 December 1997 Note. ECOWAS Committee of Five ministerial assessment visit (20 November 1997).

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 2. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants:
It is considered that a minimum of 30 days would be required to conduct effective disarmament and demobilization of combatants. This should take place from 1 to 31 December 1997. Given the nationwide dislocation of infrastructures and administration, a simple and uncomplicated procedure is envisaged. Combatants will be directed to report to designated centres in order to be engaged in the disarmament process. ECOMOG will supervise the entire process of disarmament and demobilization. Where necessary, incentives may have to be provided to encourage the voluntary participation of combatants in all this process.

Page 3, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 6. Reintegration of combatants:
All those who disarm as a result of the implementation of the peace process should be provided with either job training to fit them for alternative employment or given scholarships and grants for further education. Access to education at all levels should be made available to all demobilized persons. Ex-combatants should be provided with assistance to facilitate their reintegration into their communities. We strongly appeal to the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), ECOWAS and indeed the international community to render appropriate assistance to achieve this objective.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 3, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 5. Restoration of constitutional Government and broadening of the power base:...It is recognized that Corporal Fodey Sankoh as a leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) could continue to play an active role and
participate in the peace process. In the spirit of the Abidjan Accord and in the context of this agreement, Corporal Sankoh is expected to return to his country to make his contribution to the peace process.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: Transitional justice→Amnesty/pardon→Amnesty/pardon proper
Page 1, PREAMBLE, 6. Immunities and guarantees: Takes effect from 22 April 1998.

Page 3, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 8. Immunities and guarantees: It is considered essential that unconditional immunities and guarantees from prosecution be extended to all involved in the events of 25 May 1997 with effect from 22 April 1998.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: For the United Nations:
(Signed) Ibrahima FALL, Assistant Secretary-General
Other international signatory: For the Organization of African Unity:
(Signed) Adwoa COLEMAN, OAU Representative
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 1, PREAMBLE: Pursuant to the mandate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to implement proposals for the resolution of the Sierra Leone crisis contained in the final communiqué issued at Conakry on 26 June 1997, a six-point peace plan has been devised for the early return of constitutional governance to Sierra Leone. These are:

Page 1, PREAMBLE, 1. Cessation of hostilities throughout Sierra Leone:
...(b) Establish monitoring and verification mechanism.
Note. Process to be undertaken by the ECOWAS Military Observer Group (ECOMOG), and United Nations military observers. The participation of United Nations military observers requires the agreement of the United Nations Security Council.

Page 1, PREAMBLE, 2. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants: 1-31 December 1997
Note. ECOWAS Committee of Five ministerial assessment visit (20 November 1997).

Page 1, PREAMBLE, 3. Commencement of humanitarian assistance: 14 November 1997
Note. ECOMOG to monitor the process.

Page 1, PREAMBLE, 4. Return of refugees and displaced persons: Commencement date: 1 December 1997, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)- assisted repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons.

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 1. Cessation of hostilities:
It is considered that cessation of hostilities should come into force immediately. However, this will have to be accompanied by a monitoring and verification regime. Leaders of the various combatant units will be expected to disseminate information concerning these measures and ensure compliance with them. These measures will be supervised by ECOMOG, assisted by a United Nations military observer group. The verification process will continue right up to the termination of the peace plan, that is, until 22 April 1998.

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 2. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants:
It is considered that a minimum of 30 days would be required to conduct effective disarmament and demobilization of combatants. This should take place from 1 to 31 December 1997. Given the nationwide dislocation of infrastructures and administration, a simple and uncomplicated procedure is envisaged. Combatants will be directed to report to designated centres in order to be engaged in the disarmament process. ECOMOG will supervise the entire process of disarmament and demobilization. Where necessary, incentives may have to be provided to encourage the voluntary participation of combatants in all this process.

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 3. Humanitarian assistance: Considering that sanctions/embargoes will be strictly enforced throughout the period of the implementation of the Sierra Leone peace plan, the flows of humanitarian assistance beginning on 14 November 1997 will continue to be monitored by ECOMOG and United Nations military observers. To this effect a mechanism will be established by ECOMOG to facilitate the flows of humanitarian assistance. All this will be worked out within the context of a Security Council resolution.

Page 2. ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 4. Return of refugees and displaced persons: Recognizing that refugees, particularly those in neighbouring countries, may wish to return voluntarily following the cessation of hostilities, UNHCR assistance should begin from 1 December 1997.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 1, PREAMBLE: Pursuant to the mandate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to implement proposals for the resolution of the Sierra Leone crisis contained in the final communiqué issued at Conakry on 26 June 1997, a six-point peace plan has been devised for the early return of constitutional governance to Sierra Leone. These are:
1. Cessation of hostilities throughout Sierra Leone
(a) With immediate effect;
(b) Establish monitoring and verification mechanism.
Note. Process to be undertaken by the ECOWAS Military Observer Group (ECOMOG), and United Nations military observers. The participation
of United Nations military observers requires the agreement of the United Nations Security Council.

2. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants: 1-31 December 1997
Note. ECOWAS Committee of Five ministerial assessment visit (20 November 1997).

3. Commencement of humanitarian assistance: 14 November 1997
Note. ECOMOG to monitor the process.

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 1. Cessation of hostilities:
It is considered that cessation of hostilities should come into force immediately. However, this will have to be accompanied by a monitoring and verification regime. Leaders of the various combatant units will be expected to disseminate information concerning these measures and ensure compliance with them. These measures will be supervised by ECOMOG, assisted by a United Nations military observer group. The verification process will continue right up to the termination of the peace plan, that is, until 22 April 1998.

Page 2, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 2. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants:
It is considered that a minimum of 30 days would be required to conduct effective disarmament and demobilization of combatants. This should take place from 1 to 31 December 1997. Given the nationwide dislocation of infrastructures and administration, a simple and uncomplicated procedure is envisaged. Combatants will be directed to report to designated centres in order to be engaged in the disarmament process. ECOMOG will supervise the entire process of disarmament and demobilization. Where necessary, incentives may have to be provided to encourage the voluntary participation of combatants in all this process.

Page 5, Annex II, ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN, 3. Humanitarian assistance:
Considering that sanctions/embargoes will be strictly enforced throughout the period of the implementation of the Sierra Leone peace plan, the flows of humanitarian assistance beginning on 14 November 1997 will continue to be monitored by ECOMOG and United Nations military observers. To this effect a mechanism will be established by ECOMOG to facilitate the flows of humanitarian assistance. All this will be worked out within the context of a Security Council resolution.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: UN Peacemaker (http://peacemaker.un.org) Link to agreement - http://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/SL_971023_ConakryPeacePlan.pdf

Economic Community of West African States six-month peace plan for Sierra Leone (23 October 1997-22 April 1998)

Schedule of implementation

PREAMBLE

Pursuant to the mandate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to implement proposals for the resolution of the Sierra Leone crisis contained in the final communiqué issued at Conakry on 26 June 1997, a six-point peace plan has been devised for the early return of constitutional governance to Sierra Leone.

These are:

1. Cessation of hostilities throughout Sierra Leone

(a) With immediate effect;

(b) Establish monitoring and verification mechanism.

Note.

Process to be undertaken by the ECOWAS Military Observer Group (ECOMOG), and United Nations military observers.

The participation

of United Nations military observers requires the agreement of the United Nations Security Council.

2. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants:

1-31 December 1997

Note.

ECOWAS Committee of Five ministerial assessment visit (20 November 1997).

3. Commencement of humanitarian assistance:

14 November 1997

Note.

ECOMOG to monitor the process.

4. Return of refugees and displaced persons

Commencement date:

1 December 1997

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)- assisted repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons.

5. Restoration of the constitutional Government and broadening of the power base:

Takes effect from 22 April 1998

6. Immunities and guarantees:

Takes effect from 22 April 1998

ELABORATION OF THE ECOWAS PEACE PLAN

1. Cessation of hostilities

It is considered that cessation of hostilities should come into force immediately.

However, this will have to be accompanied by a monitoring and

verification regime.

Leaders of the various combatant units will be expected to disseminate information concerning these measures and ensure compliance with them.

These measures will be supervised by ECOMOG, assisted by a United Nations military observer group.

The verification process will continue right up to the termination of the peace plan, that is, until 22 April 1998.

2. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants

It is considered that a minimum of 30 days would be required to conduct effective disarmament and demobilization of combatants.

This should take place from 1 to 31 December 1997.

Given the nationwide dislocation of infrastructures and administration, a simple and uncomplicated procedure is envisaged.

Combatants will be directed to report to designated centres in order to be engaged in the disarmament process.

ECOMOG will supervise the entire process of disarmament and demobilization.

Where necessary, incentives may have to be provided to encourage the voluntary participation of combatants in all this process.

3. Humanitarian assistance

Considering that sanctions/embargoes will be strictly enforced throughout the period of the implementation of the Sierra Leone peace plan, the flows of humanitarian assistance beginning on 14 November 1997 will continue to be monitored by ECOMOG and United Nations military observers.

To this effect a mechanism will be established by ECOMOG to facilitate the flows of humanitarian assistance.

All this will be worked out within the context of a Security Council resolution.

4. Return of refugees and displaced persons

Recognizing that refugees, particularly those in neighbouring countries, may wish to return voluntarily following the cessation of hostilities, UNHCR

assistance should begin from 1 December 1997.

5. Restoration of constitutional Government and broadening of the power base

The restoration of constitutional order to Sierra Leone is at the heart of the ECOWAS peace plan.

Consequently, it is considered necessary that the Government of Tejan Kabbah should be enabled to exercise effective control once he is restored to office on 22 April 1998.

Nevertheless, it is recognized that for an enduring peace to be restored which will enjoy the support of the majority of Sierra Leoneans and the confidence of the subregion, efforts should be made to ensure that an all-inclusive Government is evolved.

In this regard, the goodwill and assistance of the international community, both financial and material, would be necessary.

The interest of the various parties in Sierra Leone should be suitably accommodated.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the new Cabinet should be a cabinet of inclusion.

Furthermore, in order to accommodate the aspirations of their supporters, board and senior civil service appointments are to reflect broad national character.

All the above power-sharing formulae should come into effect on 22 April 1998.

It is recognized that Corporal Fodey Sankoh as a leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) could continue to play an active role and

participate in the peace process.

In the spirit of the Abidjan Accord and in the context of this agreement, Corporal Sankoh is expected to return to his country to make his contribution to the peace process.

6. Reintegration of combatants

All those who disarm as a result of the implementation of the peace process should be provided with either job training to fit them for alternative

employment or given scholarships and grants for further education.

Access to education at all levels should be made available to all demobilized persons.

Ex-combatants should be provided with assistance to facilitate their reintegration into their communities.

We strongly appeal to the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), ECOWAS and indeed the international community to render appropriate assistance to achieve this objective.

7. Donor appeals for emergency humanitarian assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation

The United Nations and OAU, in cooperation with ECOWAS, are requested to launch these appeals as soon as hostilities cease.

8. Immunities and guarantees

It is considered essential that unconditional immunities and guarantees from prosecution be extended to all involved in the events of 25 May 1997 with effect from 22 April 1998.

DONE AT CONAKRY, THIS 23RD DAY OF OCTOBER 1997

For the ECOWAS Committee of Five on Sierra Leone:

(Signed) Tom IKIMI, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria;

(Signed) Lamine KAMARA, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Guinea

For the delegation representing Major Johnny Paul Koromah Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) regime in Sierra Leone:

(Signed) Abdul Karim SESAY, Secretary-General, AFRC;

(Signed) Alimamy Pallo BANGURA, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Witnesses

For the United Nations:

(Signed) Ibrahima FALL, Assistant Secretary-General

For the Organization of African Unity:

(Signed) Adwoa COLEMAN, OAU Representative