Conciliation Resources: Building paths to peace: Bo Peace and Reconciliation Movement

Sierra Leone

Mariama Konneh working through case studies with BPRM's coordinator, Hassan Feika.

Photo © Rosalind Hanson-Alp

"To me this is a real partnership, based on mutual learning, sharing and exchange, where we compliment each others weaknesses and strengths within the dynamic conflict context."
Mariama Konneh, West Africa Programme Director.

Conciliation Resources started working in West Africa in 1995. CR facilitated the development of BPRM at a time when Sierra Leone was in dire need of peace intermediaries. Initially, Conciliation Resources focused on giving essential capacity building support to BPRM in the form of conflict management and negotiation skills and later leadership and facilitation training. In 1996, Conciliation Resources opened an office in Bo town that also hosts offices for BPRM to carry out their work.

Over the years Conciliation Resources’ partnership function has evolved at each stage of BPRM’s development, from the role of mentor to that of supportive guide and capacity builder. Conciliation Resources believes that long-term support to local partners is vital to sustaining peace in politically volatile areas like the southern region of Sierra Leone. CR’s continued support has enabled BPRM to face the challenges of preventing conflict and improve their practices of peacemaking.

Conciliation Resources staff in the south work closely with BPRM, providing training, strategic thinking and support for organizational development.

BPRM’s coordinator Hassan Feika recognizes the value of this partnership. “Conciliation Resources trains us, offers us facilities and daily contact for us to discuss methods and budgets in a way that has benefited our growth.” As CR’s programme officer in the southern region, Marion Gorvie, states: “peace is in the hands of the citizens.”