Engaging the Revolutionary United Front in Sierra Leone: an insiders’ perspective Rashid Sandi and Frances Fortune (2005) Sandi and Fortune show how civil society actors sought to complement the efforts of international mediators in Sierra Leone. In 1999 the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) and the Civil Society Movement (CSM) sought to engage the RUF in discussion and attended the Lomé talks between the RUF and government as observers. Outside meetings they used their informal networks and connections to engage RUF delegates and appeal to them to pursue a meaningful peace. Their roles complemented track one efforts: the official talks drove the bargaining process and the eventual agreement; the track two players helped maintain the momentum as discussions became difficult. Among the lessons are that track two diplomacy needs resources and support, though this must not compromise its independence.
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