DECLARATION

Concerned with the continuing conflict and instability in the Mano river sub-region, religious leaders from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone gathered for an "Inter-faith Consultation on Peace, Security and Reconciliation" in Freetown, Sierra Leone on 24-25 April 2001. We express our appreciation for our hosts, the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone and the Inter-religious Council of Sierra Leone, and the support of partner organizations, the World Council of Churches, the World Conference on Religion and Peace, the All Africa Conference of Churches, and The Fellowship of Councils, and Churches of West Africa.

Whereas, we are increasingly worried by cross border incursions and the attendant effects on the populations of the Mano River countries;

Whereas, as a result of these conflicts, lives have been lost and property destroyed with massive dislocation of people in all three countries;

Whereas, peace and stability in each country of the sub-region are inextricably linked to overall regional stability;

Whereas, our respective religious traditions call us to work for peace and the resolution of conflict;

NOW, THEREFORE, as representatives of our religious communities, we make the following declaration and commitments:

1. That we will work together to encourage the Heads of State of our three countries to hold a joint meeting as a way to resolve the current conflicts;

2. That we call our respective governments to review their commitments to implement existing regional treaties and agreements regarding mutual non-aggression;

3. That measures must be taken to better stabilize the borders between our countries , and that public consultations must take place regarding the mandate for any external interposition forces;

4. That we will strengthen collaboration with other civil society actors to reduce cross-border proliferation of small arms;

5. That we will undertake joint visits to camps to assess the protection rights and other needs of refugees and internally displaced persons;

6. That we will work with UNHCR and other actors to encourage the timely and safe return of all displaced persons and refugees to their homes,

7. That we will widely disseminate the commitments made in this declaration through our religious communities and the public media;

8. That we will continue active collaboration and follow-up actions to ensure the implementation of the above commitments through an appointed joint coordinating committee.

We pray that the Almighty God/Allah would give us the strength to achieve these goals and would touch the hearts of our political leaders that together we will find a way to lasting peace and prosperity for the peoples of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Signed on 25 April 2001 (2 Safar 1422), in Freetown, Sierra Leone:

Rt. Rev Albert D. Gomez
For the Guinea Delegation

Sheikh Kafumba F. Konneh
For the Liberia Delegation

Sheikh Abu Bakarr Conteh
For the Sierra Leone Delegation