Building a liberal Peace in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

Abstract

Chapter 7 discusses liberal peacebuilding in Sierra Leone, and its positive and unintended consequences. It argues that international peacebuilding in Sierra Leone is a ‘liberal peacebuilding project’ of social transformation, thought to be essential for creating conditions for durable and sustainable peace. It shows that despite international efforts to build effective state institutions and a durable peace in the country, peace remains fragile, with both post-war governments failing to deal with neo-patrimonial politics, which political elites use to entrench their political power.