Sierra Leone has established a unique track record for a post-conflict country. Less than a year after the war ended, the country has achieved a growth rate of six percent while inflation has fallen to zero percent. These accomplishments have been achieved after ten years of devastating civil conflict, the resettlement in the past year of 300,000 displaced people and refugees and the disarmament and demobilization of more than 70,000 combatants. On the basis of this impressive performance, development partners gathered in Paris sent a favorable message to the country this week. At this first post-war consultative group meeting, the government with its partners agreed to a results framework for 2003-2004, and the donors pledged their financial and technical support to achieve these results.

The government of Sierra Leone, led by Vice President Solomon Berewa, concluded the two-day consultative group meeting with development partners in Paris at the weekend. The meeting was co-chaired by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In his opening speech, Sierra Leone Vice President Solomon Berewa, said "The terrible experiences of the last decade have taught us that we must listen to our people and take heed of their rightful demands. We must deliver on our promises of a better future."
World Bank Country Director for Sierra Leone Mats Karlsson added "As Sierra Leone moves further from its civil war past, there is an increasing need for a fundamental shift in the kind of assistance we provide—from humanitarian to development assistance." Development partners also stressed the importance of planning for this fundamental shift in their support.

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and UNDP Resident Coordinator Alan Doss also noted "As the United Nations’ mission to Sierra Leone draws down its troop strength, it is important that the donor partners provide assistance to help consolidate the peace process including the reintegration of ex-combatants and the resettlement of refugees and other displaced persons."
Sierra Leone outlined its recovery and development agenda, stressing the need to make peace durable and addressing those factors that caused the ten-year civil war. Successful completion of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program, long-term support in building the country’s army and police force, and support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Special Court are seen as essential to the country’s development prospects.

Participants reviewed and congratulated the country on its successful record of economic performance during the past two years, but noted that while growth figures are impressive, they were starting from a very low base. This highlighted the importance of the government’s continued strict fiscal discipline and implementation of its structural reform agenda.

The government identified and committed itself to addressing major development challenges, particularly inclusion, good governance, decentralization, equity, and sustainable growth. In addition, the government expressed its intention to focus on basic education and primary health care. To spur economic growth, the Sierra Leone government highlighted five areas of focus: (i) private sector development, (ii) stimulating agriculture, (iii) reviving the mining industry, (iv) improving infrastructure, and (v) building human capital with community-driven programs in education, health and HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness.

In closing, the partners encouraged Sierra Leone to maintain the high level of commitment that had brought it successfully to this point. Development partners concluded by emphasizing their continued financial and technical support to promote the consolidation of peace and to help Sierra Leone meet the considerable challenges in reaching their development objectives - World Bank.