Civil Society Successes and Challenges: Stories from the Ground Cecilia Mattia, National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives, Sierra Leone

1. Extractive Industry transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone:Difficulties and achievements in improving the relations between citizens and state By Cecilia Mattia National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives [NACE]

2. Successes/Achievements: NACE EITI Research: Commissioned an evidenced based study: “Sierra Leone at the Crossroads”, Seizing the chance to benefit from mining. (Could be found on www.nacesl.org). Elements of the research recommendations incorporated in Consolidated Mines and Minerals Bill and the Revised Core Minerals policy Representation: NACE’s lobbied for representation in the:– Presidential Task Force on the review of mineral rights National Steering Committee of SL Anti Corruption Committee on mining chair

3. Engagement with the Legislature: NACE Organized two workshops with Parliamentarians to engage and lobby them around the Consolidated Mines and Minerals Bill and the Revised Core Minerals policy to constructively engage with it when tabled in parliament before being passed Support and equip Parliamentarians with timely relevant documentation related to mining in Sierra Leone

4. Mobilisation & Engagement: Organized workshops for NACE members, Mining companies and Government official e.g. To validate Core Mineral’s Policy, review Contracts and SL EITI status Held round table discussions with government official on concerns around the progress on the EITI process. Meet the people session where NACE took members of parliament to meet their constituents, to consult and debate about mining company issues and on sustainable community development Jointly funded some Government led initiatives / consultation Joint trips with Governmental Department to mining communities’ e.g. Strategic Policy Unit

5. External support Support and input from the EITI secretariat and institutions like RW, OSIWA, Christian Aid promoted in their visits/meetings joint government / CSO sessions

6. Challenges / difficulties: Change of Government and new Government’s priorities Ensuring that the EITI Principles incorporated in the Consolidated Mines and Minerals Bill. Non-Corporation of certain Line Ministries, Departments and Agencies. World Bank position whether Pro-People or Pro-Government. Selection of the Auditing Firm. Weak Capacity of Government to deal with emerging issues in the Mining sector. The un-sustained Civil society commitment and focus

7. TENKI! Thank you! Merci!