December - As the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) comes to a close at the end of this year, it may serve as a model for successful peacekeeping, as well as a prototype for the UN's new emphasis on peacebuilding.

Six years ago UN peacekeepers moved into Sierra Leone to oversee a feeble peace process which included monitoring a shaky ceasefire and supporting a transition to democratic governance. Since then, the UN helped the war-ravaged country to make impressive gains towards peace, demonstrating how the world body can respond to the needs and demands of countries in conflict in a rapidly changing global environment. Over the course of its mandate, the UN disarmed tens of thousands of ex-fighters, assisted in holding national elections, helped to rebuild the country's police force, and contributed towards rehabilitating the infrastructure and bringing government services to local communities. The UN also helped the Government stop illicit trading in diamonds and regulate the industry. During the war, rebels had used money from "blood" or "conflict" diamonds to buy weapons which had fuelled the conflict.
While UNAMSIL has done much, Sierra Leone still faces many challenges. To help meet these challenges, the newly ceated UN Integrated Office for Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) will take over from UNAMSIL beginning January 2006 . Its mandate would be to cement UNAMSIL's gains. The new office will help the Government strengthen human rights, realize the Millennium Development Goals, improve transparency and hold free and fair elections in 2007. It will also work together with other UN missions in the sub-region and provide security for the Special Court.

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