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Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development in Sierra Leone

Since the end of the war in 2002, the Government of Sierra Leone - with support from development partners - has embarked on a number of ambitious reforms, especially in the area of governance and economic management. Some important achievements to date include the holding of free and fair elections and consolidation of peace and security since 2002, improved macro-economic stability, the restoration of local government, the passing of procurement and anti-money-laundering legislation, and the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). But the successful post-conflict recovery remains fragile and the need for sustained reform even more imperative. Some five years on, with national elections scheduled in 2007, it is a suitable time to celebrate the achievements to date, but more importantly, it is time to set out what more needs to be done to accelerate the delivery of development dividends by improving governance and accountability, as well as enhancing the nature of partnership between donors and Government. (full article)