Wounds of Civil War Slowly Healing in Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire

As heads of state discussed how to best support Libya in its post conflict transition today at the United Nations, two African Presidents shared their own hands-on experience trying to rebuild war-torn African countries.

Presidents Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone were at the Council on Foreign Relations this afternoon to discuss the challenges of balancing political reconciliation, transitional justice and economic development. 

Although the two countries are at different stages of their transitions—Cote d’Ivoire is barely six months removed from serious fighting while Sierra Leone’s civil war ended nearly a decade ago—the two leaders shared a similar perspective on most issues.

Ouattara and Koroma both argued that creating stable and secure environment was the first step on the path towards reconciliation, but that ultimately, true dialogue between opposing political factions and civil society groups could only be achieved through significant social and economic reform. 

Ouattara said his government has worked hard to stabilize Cote d’Ivoire’s security situation by reaching out to opposing armed groups and trying to integrate them into a cohesive national army ahead of the scheduled parliamentary election in December. 

Ouattara, a former high ranking official at the International Monetary Fund, also discussed some of the economic challenges countries ravaged by domestic strife face when trying to attract external investment and development initiatives.

Koroma argued that building an “open, transparent and attractive” environment and ensuring even distribution of development initiative within society were the two most important steps in securing foreign investments.

Both presidents also recognized the importance of the international community’s work in post conflict societies and lauded the UN’s positive influence in helping bring about the end of war, while voicing concern and disappointment at the AU’s “slow pace decision-making” and limited influence.