Sierra Leone: Lasting Peace or a Cruel Mirage

Sierra Leone: Lasting Peace or a Cruel Mirage ?

The Conflict

In January 2002 after a decade of civil war, peace was proclaimed in Sierra Leone and tens of thousands of soldiers disarmed as the country awaited democratic elections in May. Grave concerns remain, however, about the endurance of the fragile peace. At Sierra Leone's borders with Liberia and Guinea, continued fighting threatens the weak new government in Freetown.

Political

• The rebel group that initiated the civil war, the RUF, was formed as a result of its leader Foday Sankoh's training in revolutionary camps sponsored by Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi. The arrest of Sankoh and disarmament of RUF forces within Sierra Leone may not eliminate the rebellion if it is springing from regional sources.
• The war in Sierra Leone involves many other countries; peace negotiations that apply only within the country may not hold.
• libhe rebel RUF, under the peace accord, is transforming into a political party. Since many of Sierra Leone's citizens have been terrorized by this group, there is resentment that its leaders may be coming into power.
• The UN and the government of Sierra Leone have agreed to set up a small-scale international war crimes tribunal to try those most responsible for atrocities in the civil war.

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