Post-conflict corruption and peacebuilding: the case of the UN Peacebuilding Fund in Sierra Leone

This study is an investigation into how corruption influences peacebuilding projects in Sierra Leone, with specific reference to the UNPBF (UN Peacebuilding Fund). Looking at this case study makes it possible to understand how more than $50 million of peacebuilding money was used. One of UNPBF’s goals was to address corruption, it is evident that the funds have not been able to address this issue. New versions of corruption have instead arisen as a result of the distribution of budgets allocated under UNPBF. To consider this complex matter, I consider two community-based projects that focus on youth and violence, funded by UNPBF. On the basis of interviews with UNDP staff, community leaders (men and women) and beneficiaries, in some cases it was admitted that corruption was continuing at different levels. Interestingly whilst beneficiaries acknowledged a great deal of corruption was continuing, higher level officials tended to be confident that measures were in place to handle corruption and prevent it from happening. The findings revealed that corruption in the UNPBF projects was attributed to social factors such as normalization of corruption in the community, poverty because people saw opportunities of getting money from the UN projects, and the culture of nepotism and favouritism in Sierra Leonean society. The main findings of the study were that corruption seems to have been normalised in post-war peacebuilding projects funded by the UNPBF. A first step towards tackling this systemic problem would be acceptance that there is a problem, rather than continued denial. Dealing with corruption and the denial of its existence should be handled through various strategies which include: proper investigation into the allegations made about the officials involved in the UNPBF and the local leaders who helped in selecting the beneficiaries, creating adequate safeguards that can protect peacebuilding funds from being mismanaged through corruption. Other strategies include the peacebuilding fund architectures and mechanisms for monitoring performance, the promotion of peace building fund transparency common standards for those keeping records and by raising the problem at the level of the fund partnership.