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MFD (Moral Foundations for Democracy) is a programme aimed at enabling the Sierra Leonean Police and Army to work together to strengthen democracy, facilitate reconciliation, heal distrust, and provide co-operation. Se full list of course objectives
Moral Foundations for Democracy -Training for peace
The last four years prominent leaders from war-torn Sierra Leone have taken part in the conferences at Caux., Switzerland Politicians, military leaders, policemen, civil servants and persons from both sides of the conflict have been there. 2004 was no exception. Deputy Chief Superintendent of police O.B.Somasa came with his close colleagues K. Fakondo and A. Mannah. The last one is responsible for training in the SL Police. Defence was represented by Brigadier M.A.Sesay and Colonel K.Boyah. They all came with the chief aim of planning a course for police and military in Sierra Leone 2005. The purpose is to make police and military better prepared for looking after security and foster reconciliation and democracy after the cruel civil war. The nation is still divided and trust in the police and armed forces has to be restored. Neighbouring country Liberia is still unstable and represents a threat to Sierra Leone.
The peacekeeping multinational UN force is pulling out in 2005 and security will be left to the country’s own forces. In Caux preparations were made for a one-week course for 200 handpicked officers and men from police and defence in the four regions of the country. Initiatives of Change was asked to create the course and provide teachers and teaching material. A Dutch naval officer and an American professor, who both have experience with such programmes in Eastern Europe, have written the course. Police and defence are providing venue plus board and lodging and transport for all participants and faculty. The Danish - Sierra Leonean Friendship Association has undertaken to cover travel and other expenses for faculty and facilitators from Europe and America. It is a large commitment and they will need assistance.
Leaders from Sierra Leone, who have been to Caux in recent years are reporting on the great value of what they learnt there. Paramount Chief Bai Kassangha III writes in a letter to the Caux Foundation that during his stay at Caux 2003 “my life was changed in so many ways.” The Chief governs a region with a quarter million people where memories of the barbaric civil war are still strong and former rebels are seeking to be reintegrated in society. The Chief says he learnt to have patience and listen more to his subordinates and to be tolerant with his opponents. He writes that he has become more open and is including others in the governing process, which he believes will prevent new conflicts in the area.
Deputy Chief Superintendent Somasa told that he came to Caux 2003 with mixed feelings because 200 of his own policemen were killed by the rebels and he himself had suffered in the war. He had to ask himself if he should seek revenge. In Caux he realized that forgiveness was the only road if peace was to be permanent. He has tried to follow this road and the Sierra Leone Police has systematically attempted to win back the trust of the population by among other things, establishing contact groups with the people in all regions.
First course, January 2005
The first two courses were held in Freetown and Bo in January, 2005 for 70 participants from Army, Police, and civil society.
Second course, September 2005
Held over two weeks in Freetown with senior representatives of Army, Police, the office of the President and the Council of Paramount Chiefs.
Training of Trainers, November and December 2005
See photos.
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