“Moral Guarantors of Peace” in Sierra Leone

From the devastation of the bloody civil war in Sierra Leone from 1991 to 2002, Muslim and Christian leaders form Religions for Peace’s Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) to engage in conflict resolution and mediate between the government and rebel fighters. At the request of the Government of Sierra Leone and rebel groups, IRCSL provided strategic assistance in formal peace talks which led to the release of fifty child captives by “Interfaith Mothers” and the Lome Peace Accord.

During its 30 years of interreligious collaboration for peace, IRCSL has forged a unique reputation among religious, government, and civil society leaders, positioning them as so-called “moral guarantors of peace.” IRCSL continues to play an objective, third-party role in government councils and has expanded its reach to include hundreds of religious leaders today acting to promote peace among Sierra Leone’s populations.

Learn more: Inter‐Religious Council of Sierra Leone as Peace Facilitator in Post‐1991 Sierra Leone by Hilary Anne Hurd