the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness. It ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. Sierra Leone is ranked 43 with an index of 1.805 in June 2016. As a member of ECOWAS, the country has benefited from regional arrangements in terms of institutional support, especially in the context of the Mano River Union; cross-border trade and cooperation; harmonisation of macroeconomic and regional security. The country’s gains from regional integration go beyond these economic benefits to include political and military support. This is manifested in ECOWAS’ pivotal role in supporting Sierra Leone to fight rebels and end the civil war, depose unelected military regimes, and reinstate democratic governance for greater political stability. Sierra Leone now enjoys peace, good democratic governance and security. Moreover, the country continues to contribute both military personnel and police officers to the United Nations Peace Keeping in trouble spots in the African region. Excellence and gallantry of our nations’ security officers have been recognised internationally. 3.2.3. Responsiveness of Chieftaincy to the Rapidly Changing Social Needs Traditional customs and traditions in Sierra Leone have always clashed with Western traditions since the time the country was colonized by the British to the present day. The Paramount Chiefs, as custodians and symbols of traditional customs, are usually the targets of attacks by supporters of Western or modern ways of doing things. The Chiefs, like their counterparts in other African countries, however always remained steadfast in the preservation of their culture which is passed on from one generation to the other. However, because of the predominance of Western styles of governance, the Paramount Chiefs have seen their power gradually eroded as the years go but they are still a significant factor in the social, political and economic aspects of the country’s national development programmes. 24 Paramount Chiefs wield enormous power in rural Sierra Leone and are frequently at the centre of most development projects carried out in their chiefdoms. Their support is therefore crucial for the success of any project in their sphere of influence. President Koroma seems to have recognized this when he reportedly urged paramount chiefs to “utilize the Constitutional Review Process (CRC) as an opportunity to enhance and further consolidate the role of chiefs in the governance of the country. He however lamented the fact that “the customs and traditions of the respective communities have come under heavy attack over the years,” but however advised that core values must be maintained. During the installation of new Paramount Chiefs, the President Koroma, according to the State House release, therefore promised government’s commitment to continue to “strengthen the capacity of paramount chiefs” to transform their communities and the lives of their people”. The four installed paramount chiefs are PC Kandeh Sorie Kakandeh the 3rd of Tambaka chiefdom in Bombali district, PC Alikali Mellah the 3rd of Maforki chiefdom in Port Loko district, PC Fullahmansa Magbereh the 2nd of Yoni chiefdom in Tonkolili district, and PC Baibaro Maboleh Hashini of Malal Mara chiefdom in Tonkolili district. 3.2.4. Code of Ethics and Service Standards for Paramount Chiefs and the Local Courts Amendment Act 2014, are efforts taken to address some of the challenges of Paramount Chieftaincy in the country. 3.2.5. Developed various national security policies: in order to ensure a secured state, Government has taken major steps in developing strategies like the National Security Policy and Strategy , National Security Chapter to be included in the Constitutional Review Report; National Flood Response Plan , Counter Terrorism and Strategy. APRM Sierra Leone | Annual Progress Report