The Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) has formally documented the emergence, institutional development, and foundational leadership of its Sierra Leone Branch (SPSP-SL), affirming the pioneers and governance structures that led to its establishment under the international expansion agenda of the Society.
The publication, released following the presentation of the SPSP-SL Annual Report at the 19th SPSP International Annual Conference held in November 2025 at the University of Ibadan, provides an authoritative account of the origins, leadership, programmes, challenges, and future direction of the Branch.
The initiative is aimed at preserving institutional memory, ensuring historical accuracy, and providing a permanent reference point for members, researchers, and stakeholders.
SPSP-SL was formally established in early 2023 as part of SPSPs strategic expansion beyond Nigeria, under the presidency of Mr. Nathaniel Msen Awuapila, fspsp, the Societys fourth President. The Branch completed its registration shortly after inception, laying the foundation for structured peacebuilding engagement in Sierra Leone.
The formation of SPSP-SL was driven by cross-border collaboration and shared commitment to peace practice. Mrs. Magdalene U.I. Igbazua, Executive Director of the Women in Strategic Entrepreneur Initiative (WiSE Initiative) and a former officer of SPSP's Abuja Branch, initiated the process in December 2022 by facilitating connections to support the establishment of the Society in Sierra Leone.
Following consultations, Mr. Abdul M. Fatoma, a renowned human rights defender and governance expert, recommended Dr. Teddy Foday-Musa as the most suitable individual to coordinate the establishment of the Branch. Dr. Foday-Musa, a lecturer in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, was subsequently approved and formally appointed by SPSP Headquarters as National Coordinator of SPSP—Sierra Leone.
SPSP formally recognizes Mrs. Magdalene U.I. Igbazua, Mr. Abdul M. Fatoma, and Dr. Teddy Foday-Musa as pioneers of SPSP—Sierra Leone, whose initiative, leadership, and coordination laid the groundwork for the emergence of the Branch.
Following registration, SPSP-SL established a Steering Committee and a Board of Governors to provide strategic direction and oversight.
The Board of Governors of SPSP—Sierra Leone comprises:
Prof. Joe A. D. Alie (Chairman)
Madam Valnora Edwin (Vice Chair)
Dr. Teddy Foday-Musa (Secretary)
Mr. Abdul M. Fatoma (Member)
Mr. Mohamed S. Barrie (Member)
Pastor Mrs. Sitta Conteh (Member)
Chief Superintendent of Police Dolsy Adama Fefegula (Member)
Mr. Nathaniel Msen Awuapila, fspsp (Member)
The Board brings together distinguished scholars, civil society leaders, security professionals, gender advocates, and peace practitioners, reflecting SPSP's multidisciplinary approach to peacebuilding.
SPSP-SL operates as a non-profit organisation committed to promoting non-violent conflict resolution through research, advocacy, training, and community-based interventions. Its mandate aligns with SPSP International's vision of fostering peace through locally owned mechanisms, policy engagement, and professional practice.
Key thematic areas of intervention include conflict prevention, mediation, peace promotion, research and fieldwork, training and empowerment, and the cultivation of a culture of peace—particularly among youth and community actors.
Between inception and 2025, SPSP-SL undertook several foundational activities that enhanced its national visibility and institutional credibility. These included:
· A landmark membership drive and formal establishment meeting held on July 9, 2025, at Milton Margai Technical University.
· High-level virtual engagements with SPSP International leadership to align governance standards and operational procedures.
· A joint communiqué with SPSP International ahead of the 2023 Sierra Leone general elections, urging peace, restraint, and democratic responsibility.
· Collaboration with SPSP International on the 4th Independence Day Roundtable marking Sierra Leone's 64th independence anniversary.
· Participation of SPSP-SL members in SPSP International induction ceremonies, formally integrating them into the global network.
· Initiation of partnership discussions with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support peacebuilding research and governance initiatives.
· Participation, under SPSP International sponsorship, at the 2024 and 2025 flagship global Peace Wave events organised by the International Peace Bureau (IPB) and the World Beyond War (WBW).
Despite steady progress, SPSP-SL has faced challenges typical of emerging institutions, including the absence of a permanent office space, limited operational resources, slow membership mobilisation, and delayed inauguration—now scheduled for 2026 to ensure adequate preparation.
Nonetheless, the Branch continues to benefit from strong institutional backing from SPSP International, growing national recognition, high-calibre leadership, and expanding partnerships with development actors.
Strategic priorities for 2026 include the formal inauguration of SPSP-SL, securing a permanent office, strengthening membership systems, expanding partnerships, enhancing institutional capacity, and mobilising resources for sustainable programming.
SPSP Headquarters notes that the publication of this account is intended to preserve the true historical narrative of SPSP—Sierra Leone's formation and growth, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and continuity across generations of leadership.
As SPSP-SL prepares for full operationalisation, the documented journey stands as evidence of deliberate institution-building, cross-border collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing peace studies and practice in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
