The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has launched a three-day training programme on mediation and conflict management for junior and mid-level Foreign Service Officers as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic capacity, peacebuilding skills, crisis response mechanisms, and regional stability.
The training, held in the Ministry’s Conference Room, was officially opened by the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Alan C. Logan. The programme brings together junior and mid-level officers for intensive learning in preventive diplomacy, mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Speaking during the opening session, the Deputy Director General of Operations, Mr. Franklyn B. Fawundu, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that mediation and conflict management remain essential pillars of diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
He observed that while multilateralism continues to face mounting pressure and trust among states is increasingly strained, mediation remains one of the most effective tools for preventing conflict escalation, bridging geopolitical divides, and achieving lasting peace through dialogue rather than violence.
Mr. Fawundu further emphasized that diplomacy has played, and continues to play, a vital role in the peaceful resolution of crises across Africa. While acknowledging the limitations of mediation, he described it as one of the most effective approaches to preventing, managing, and resolving conflict. He noted that after decades of civil wars, violent conflicts, and prolonged instability across the continent, Africa’s future depends largely on its ability to prevent and address conflicts effectively.
He stressed that equipping young diplomats with practical skills in preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution is critical to preventing the recurrence of conflict, averting new outbreaks of violence, and promoting sustainable peace across the continent.
In his keynote address, Director General Mr. Alan C. Logan described the programme as both timely and necessary, given the growing complexity, duration, and impact of modern conflicts on international peace and security.
He noted that Sierra Leone’s history serves as a powerful reminder of both the devastating consequences of conflict and the enduring value of peace. He recalled that the country emerged from civil war through mediation, reconciliation, and peacebuilding and is now widely recognized as a model of post-conflict recovery and state-building.
Mr. Logan commended the role played by Foreign Service Officers in supporting national peace efforts, particularly through their participation in high-level government delegations during negotiations that led to the Abidjan Peace Accord and the Lomé Peace Agreement. He also highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with the United Nations and development partners in the post-conflict period to formulate the Peace Consolidation Strategy, ensuring that international support remained aligned with national priorities.
He further noted that the Ministry has contributed to mediation efforts across the sub-region, including diplomatic engagement with Guinea over the Yenga border dispute and broader dialogue initiatives in countries experiencing unconstitutional changes of government. According to him, these experiences demonstrate that diplomacy is not only relevant but also practical, strategic, and indispensable to the promotion of peace and stability.
Referring to current regional developments, Mr. Logan cited the ongoing crisis in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as evidence of the evolving nature of modern conflict. He explained that governance challenges, insecurity, and political instability continue to shape the region, while the withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States have introduced new diplomatic challenges that require sustained dialogue and engagement.
He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training by strengthening their skills in mediation, negotiation, and conflict analysis. He emphasized that diplomats must be prepared not only to respond to crises but also to anticipate and prevent them. According to him, sustainable peace depends on inclusive dialogue, trust-building, and long-term commitment.
Mr. Logan also expressed appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone for supporting the initiative and acknowledged the efforts of Ministry staff and contributors who helped develop the training modules.
Officially declaring the programme open, he expressed confidence that the training would equip participants with valuable knowledge and practical tools to address conflicts effectively and contribute to a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for Sierra Leone and the wider region.
