Mining has been going on for over 70 years in Sierra Leone, but how much do we have to show for it? Denial of rights to sustainable livelihood, to organize, to education and self-determination is often the foundation for exploitation of people and destruction of their environments especially in the Extractive sector.
The National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives (NACE) initially started as The Diamond Area Community Development Fund (DACDF) coalition which was borne out of a couple of initiatives more especially the works of NMJD’s Just Mining Campaign etc. The aim of the coalition was to monitor and ensure the effective administering of the funds and said activities being initiated in the diamond communities. Initial membership included Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), Talking Drums Studios (TDS), Action Aid Sierra Leone (AA-SL), World Vision International (WVI), the Anti-Corruption Commission, Sierra Leone Indigenous Miners Movement (SLIMM) and Government line ministries (Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and Ministry of Mineral Resources). It was engaged in series of activities to ensure that the DACDF is efficiently and effectively utilized by beneficiary chiefdoms
The name of the coalition and its mandate were changed from the DACDF to NACE and “to include other extractives in the mining sector – beyond diamonds.” And to expand the coalition base / membership after a strategic planning meeting held in Kenema August 2003.
Activities and Accomplishments to date
- With the Ministry of Mineral Resources jointly conducted an assessment of in 39 DACDF beneficiary chiefdoms within the country.
- The coalition was invited to take part in the Kono Peace Alliance meeting and appointed to monitor the alliance together with Global Witness.
- Met with Minister & Ministry of Mineral Resources officials to discuss the assessment report and issues raised by the chiefdoms in respect to mining that needed to be addressed.
- Undertook trainings of communities in different aspects of packages e.g. Project cycle developments. Developed criteria to guide the selection of eligible chiefdoms for the trainings. Fifteen (15) chiefdoms were chosen for the training. Four (4) chiefdoms in Kono District, four (4) in Kenema District, three (3) in Bo District, two (2) in Pujehun District, one (1) in Bonthe District and one (1) in Kailahun District.
- Facilitated the reconstitution/composition of CDCs to ensure that it was representative of all stakeholders; women and youths especially
- Meeting with Paramount chiefs and their representatives of DACDF about their roles and responsibilities in this regard
- Constant education, sensitization and awareness raising activities
- Awareness rising about the negative effect of illicit mining has led to increased DACDF and government revenue: In 2000, $6.5M, 2001, $26 M, 2002, almost $41 M and by June 2003, $37 M
Most of the members are involved in strategic areas in the extractives e.g.
- NMJD, CRS and Talking Drums, with the Min of Local Government have done considerable work around Diamonds with other members rendering technical support.
- Championing in the diamond agenda is Network Movement for Justice and Development, which has done considerable work and analysis in that sector.
- They have undertaken, researches, consultations, video documentaries and trainings
- CRS is currently undertaking a stock taking and review of the DACDF communities
- Christian Aid and CRS have also done some work in the Rutile axis with a study and documentary reports to account for.
- A stakeholder workshop was also organized by NACE supported by Christian Aid and CRS to bring about a healthy dialogue between the major stakeholders involved i.e. communities, company and government.
- A 28 member committee was formed and an 8 man team asked to develop a constitution which is on-going with support from CRS
- A second Stakeholders meeting is being planned
- Talking drums has throughout this period gone about giving independent opinions, educating and sensitizing the populace on mining activities.
Regarding recent developments and to get focused and in a more strategic direction and with more voices, the Coalition identified the need to bring specific organizations specialized on issues around the environment, human rights, governance etc.
New Membership
NACE has in addition to its old members, Green Scenery (representing Environmental NGO in relation to the extractives), Campaign for Good Governance (Looking at governance issues in the extractives), National forum for Human Rights and Global Rights (looking at the rights dimension in extractives), the United Miners Union (to have the voice on the miners in all this), and The Geological and Environmental departments of the University who are rendering technical support in the area of extractives. All these agencies are in their diverse ways are ensuring the extractives sector benefits the mining communities that have.
- NHFR, Global Rights and CGG just completed a held a three-day workshop on a report bordering around Human Rights and the extractive sector
- Green Scenery and the environmental NGOs re sensitizing on the environmental policies. Green Scenery, recently published policy paper series “ Diamond Mining and Human development in Kono” and will soon publish another “ An Assessment of Tree Planting Activities and Opportunities In Sierra Leone”
The coalition is engaging and intends to start some work in the following areas:
- Environmental Issues / EIAs and the Extractive Sector
- Human Rights and the extractive sector
- National Policies (Environment and Mining) and the Extractive Sector
- PRSP (Mining Component) and the Extractive Sector
- Some capacity building for members and the communities
- Research and
- Education and sensitization
- Newsletter on the keys issues around the extractive sector
The coalition would like to take this opportunity to introduce formally itself to your institution and to officially meet with you on the 31st of August 2004 at your office. The coalition regards you as a major stakeholder in Sierra Leone’s development process through open and effective dialogue.
We count on your usual cooperation.
Yours sincerely
NACE Coordinating Office Representative
Kadi Julia Jumu
Members
- Christian Aid
- Catholic Relief Services
- Network Movement for Justice and Development
- Talking Drum Studios
- Action Aid Sierra Leone
- World Vision International
- National Forum for Human Rights
- Anti Corruption Commission
- Sierra Leone Indigenous Miners Movement –United Miners Union
- Green Scenery
- Global Rights Partners for Justice
- Ministry of Local Government & Community Development
- Ministry of Mineral Resources
- Campaign For Good Governance
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