Other war-torn nations can learn from Sierra Leone—Ban

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After the success of ending internal warfare in Sierra Leone, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that other nations suffering from conflict can learn from the West African nation.

In his op-ed titled “From the Ashes of War, Seeds of Peace,” Ban said that countries “now mired” in internal conflict can “draw hope” from the struggles and success of Sierra Leone.

“Its resilient people have given peacekeeping their greatest possible vote of confidence by sending troops to serve where the UN flag flies today,” Ban said.

He said that, despite, the withdrawal of UN and international troops in the country, a UN country team would stay in Sierra Leone until the country can come back on its feet and take on long-term development plans.

In his statement, Ban said that it was the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office that helped Sierra Leone to talk about progress and addressed the tensions that could have made way to war.

He added that it was the people of Sierra Leone, and their government, which lead to the peace and the strengthening of their institutions.

“It helped the government to bolster the political process, emphasizing dialogue and tolerance, and further strengthened the national police,” Ban said.

Of the UN help that poured on Sierra Leone, Ban said that the proper credit is due to the people of Sierra Leone.

“(They) showed tremendous resolve to heal and rebuild,” Ban said. “The UN is proud to have supported them—and we thank them for proving their value.”

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