AFTER DEATHS IN SIERRA LEONE, EXTRACTIVES COALITION CALLS FOR DIALOGUE

FREETOWN — The National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives (NACE) has been monitoring events in Koidu town, Kono district in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone since Friday 14th December 2007. NACE is very concerned over the recent confrontation between the Affected Property Owners Association and the Kimberlite Diamond Mining company, Koidu Holdings Limited, which resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to many others.

NACE believes that constructive dialogue must be the norm, and not the exception, when responding to conflicts in the extractive sector. Violent conflict is inimical to the peace and development of Sierra Leone. Human rights violations will always be prevalent in such violent conflicts.

NACE recognizes the efforts of various stakeholders, particularly the office of the President, in fostering dialogue between the affected parties, and awaits the outcome of the stakeholder meetings.

In the meantime, NACE is conducting an investigation and will publish a full report on the Koidu incident.

ABOUT NACE

The National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives is a coalition of broad-based independent and autonomous civil society organizations, human rights and environmental advocacy groups, trade unions, peacebuilding, public accountability, and community development organizations that are concerned about the extent to which mining can impact poverty reduction. The establishment of the Coalition was premised on the fact that mining activities can undermine community livelihood and promote social conflict, environmental degradation, child and human rights abuses and a host of other problems that impact health, hunger, poverty and general backwardness. Mining can still be an engine for wealth creation that will lay the solid foundation for economic growth, if only it is properly and effectively managed and monitored.

For further information, please contact:
Cecilia Mattia
mamaacee2000@yahoo.co.uk
NACE Secretariat
15 Mary Street
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Tel: 076 602470, 226216, 033 353471.