Sierra Leone has a population of some five million, and substantial mineral resources, in particular diamonds. However, mismanagement, civil war and the burden imposed by refugees from conflict neighbouring Liberia have left much of the country underdeveloped.

In 1991, a rebellion began in the south of Sierra Leone by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) led by Foday Sankoh, a British-trained army officer. The government brought in South African mercenaries to protect valuable diamond-mining areas.

Recent events

March 1996

President Kabbah: deposed last year

President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah wins presidential elections, bringing to an end some four years of military rule. Later in the year, he signs with the rebel RUF bringing to an end a five-year civil war.