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Tuesday, 16 May, 2000, 16:08 GMT 17:08 UK
Sierra Leone: What's gone wrong?
![]() Who is to blame for the breakdown of the peace process? Was it doomed to failure from the outset?
Is the Sierra Leonean government at fault for signing a peace accord many felt would never stick? Or is this simply the latest example of the UN's inability to oversee peace in Africa? Mark Doyle, the BBC's West Africa correspondent answered your questions LIVE from Freetown. Click here to read his answers to your questions on our Forum page.
Select the link below to watch Talking Point On Air
Jimmy, USA
Do you think other African leaders should be involved in the peace process in Sierra Leone?
It is unfair that western countries be relied upon so much for aid and help and then get the blame for doing everything wrong, especially in the African countries. The desire for these countries to become productive members of the world community has to come from them, not us.
This is a tragedy, but for me what is most tragic is that it seems to presage similar disasters.
Sub-Saharan Africa is becoming entrenched in a state of complete state and authority breakdown. Unless something remarkable happens, look for this century to mark the terminal degradation of civilisation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What is wrong is that the international community appears to be more willing to rush arms and soldiers into Sierra Leone when there is violence going on than to rush aid to improve the peoples' lives when there is no violence going on.
I think the west is not being fair by only appreciating Africa when it comes to obtaining nourishment (diamonds, slaves, mineral resources). For starters Africa is bogged down by debt from which the few countries that are able to repay only manage to settle the interest, leaving the principal. The situation in Sierra Leone can not be left to Africans alone because it has been collectively caused by the whole world.
Dave Jones, UK
To BBC News I want to thank the people of England for having the guts and foresight, to do what is necessary in a situation which was increasingly getting out of control. By sending in the ground forces you have showed the rebels up for what they truly are and that is nothing more then bullies. I am truly surprise that we here in the United States with the greatest military in the world continue to run and hide when we should be taking a stance. Just as we would if it were Europe. Thank you and good luck.
I am a Sierra Leonean living in exile in the US. To be quite frank, I am very disappointed in the way that the US has taken a back seat in the face of such major human rights abuse. I am glad that they continue to expose themselves through their lack of interest in African affairs.
Africa has slowly but surely turned into a real joke. As an African this hurts. What we have always lacked is leadership. It's about time the people rose for what is right. Even if it costs many lives, it shouldn't matter. Sierra Leone is just one of many conflicts, and it's time to draw the line and say enough is enough.
Steve Foley, England
Britain, you are our colonial masters, please help us. Keep your troops in Sierra Leone. Please help us to develop our country once and for all. The Lord will bless you.
The sad fact is that the US is now an accomplice in Sierra Leone's suffering. As a US citizen it disgusts me that the current Clinton administration would force the democratically elected government of Sierra Leone to accept a peace agreement that gave Foday Sankoh a role in the government and gave amnesty to the RUF butchers. Now, they want to send Jesse Jackson to Sierra Leone to try and make "peace" again. This is the same Jesse Jackson that compared Foday Sankoh and the RUF to Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress.
Congratulations to all of you who sacrifice your lives for the betterment of the world. This goes to British, Nigerian, Kenyan, Zambian, Indian, Jordanian and all you gallant men and women out there. A lot has been said about the situation in Sierra Leone, some comments are just outright anti-African and racist but you can see them and ignore them. Even one month's presence is very highly appreciated.
As a Sierra Leonean, I am thankful for
the amount of support
and interest that people of other
nationalities have shown in this
crisis. But it is time that Sierra
Leoneans learn from others and
work together to solve this OUR
problem. First, we need to develop
a leader for the people of Sierra Leone,
not for just one ethnic group or region.
Second, we must call for an enquiry into the
sale of diamonds for weapons.
Third, we need to demand a war
crimes tribunal. Lastly, we
need to start rebuilding OUR
nation.The time for
tribalism and separation is long
gone. People of Sierra Leone, this is
the time to come together.
Nah wi tem dis!
Hamilton Arrey Ayuk, US
While expressing his sympathy for the people of Sierra Leone, Chris from India suggested that the international community should not come to the help of Sierra Leone, and Africa in general. The basis of his suggestion was that Africa is not interested in solving its problems; therefore these African conflicts are a waste of international resources.
I am wondering if his remark is because of the fact that these African conflicts pose no direct threat to India and the rest of the community outside Africa. It seems clear to me if anyone other than Africans were dying in these so-called African conflicts, the international community would have been more involved.
I felt quite insulted by the assertion by one caller that the war in Sierra Leone is the result of the tendency of Africans to spend money on wars rather than on development. The war in Sierra Leone is simply aggression by a few against the peace-loving majority.
The first mistake with regards to the current turmoil was because of the withdrawal of Nigerian ECOMOG forces.
The UN must shoulder the blame for the instability which was created by the RUF and which that rogue organisation has sought to exploit.
However what we now need, is for Tony Blair to take the leadership on this issue, by sending more British Troops. World Opinion has been to coax and cajole the RUF killers, rapists and murderers which has not worked. What the RUF knows very well is that it cannot stand up against a well armed and organised effective force. The organisation is in tatters, most of their leaders having enjoyed the sweets of office and power will not be able to adjust to life in the bush anymore.
Michael, Japan
Wills Mkusa, Australia.
The fault is clearly Foday Sankoh's. His action and those of his gang
typifies the innate Sierra Leonean selfish trait. Sierra Leone is too rich a
Country to be scrapping around for outside help as it is currently doing.
Sierra Leone deserves better.
To those criticising the UN and British actions in Sierra Leone, may I say "If you look a gift horse in the mouth don't criticise any sign of bad breath".
I am a medical doctor working in public health in Cambodia and think it's unfair to say that the UN peacekeeping missions in Africa have been a failure. The fact is that the African environment is probably much tougher than elsewhere. The UNTAC mission
from 91 to 93 in Cambodia was hailed a success and did manage to get general
elections organised. However, they completely failed to
disarm the Khmer Rouge, another of their mandates.
How can one possibly imagine that a UN peacekeeper from the
other side of the world would risk his life in Sierra Leone for a
cause he does not understand and couldn't care less? This
question points to the intrinsic weakness of the UN system.
Unfortunately, there is no better alternative up to now. Could a
possible solution be a permanent contingent of well-trained
mercenaries under the UN flag?
Udo Owo Ima, Nigeria
Is is high time that the world woke up to the fact that the kind of tragedy unfolding in Sierra Leone is no different from a householder living down the road from you setting about maiming and killing the members of his household. Would we tolerate that on our street? Would it matter whether the household was white or black? We are told we live in global village: it's time we started facing up to the responsibilities involved.
n the recent past I helped to start a peace process involving a rebel army
in East Africa and its government. After managing to start the discussion
going between the two parties, the rebel leadership broke off contact
abruptly. When the reason behind this was investigated, it was found that
the rebels were afraid to resume a normal disciplined life like any other
citizens. They are used to have the power of life and death not only over
the civilians whom they abduct, but also over their own members. So, this
might be the reason why the RUF rebels prefer to continue with their
rebellion. The only alternative left in the East Africa case is to
militarily eliminate the rebellion. The RUF should be militarily defeated
and the international community should assist the government in Sierra
Leone the means to do this. The infrastructures are already there, let the
soldiers get on with the job.
Dan Owen, Mongolia
It should be crystal clear by now that the root causes of the situation in Sierra Leone are unequal distribution of wealth, a world economic order that perpetuates this, and institutional racism within the international community.
Foday Sankoh has his personal ambitions but he would not have gained much support had there been an equitable distribution of wealth and the construction of structures that are home-grown rather than imposed by colonialism.
What disturbs me lately is the claim by BBC reporters that the British soldiers have taken command and turned everything around.
The Nigerians have been doing this job throughout the country for years and they have just left and then came the trouble. I never hear Nigeria boast or relish in such cheap gratification.
Diamonds are too often seen as the root cause of the problems, but the most important problem is basic greed and selfishness and a background of gross corruption. From the
leadership downwards, the Sierra Leonean is mainly concerned with himself
and the small circle of family or friends around him. Even after the recent experiences of coups and return to power, the main
interest was in retaining power or positioning for power against the next
election. We need a leader for Sierra Leone
rather than just for the Party or Tribe or Area.
Afrah,Toronto, Canada.
The war in Sierra Leone, my native land, will never end if Charles Taylor of Liberia, Sankoh and others are not charged with human rights abuse. How can the US and the West justify indicting Milosovich of Yugoslavia and not Sankoh and his men? Thanks to the Nigerians who gave their lives to defend the people of Sierra Leone and shame on the west for not supporting them.
Fonday Sankoh and his thugs should not have been trusted in the first place. After all the killing and maiming of civilians, the United Nations want these thugs to be rewarded by sharing power. What happened to the injustice that was done to the civilian population in that country.
Kofi Annan should be held for responsible for any lost lives in Sierra Leone because
of his deal with the Devil.
Stella, USA
Let me on behalf of my family and the entire Sierra Leonean community around the world express our uttermost gratitude and support for the British intervention. Not forgetting the UN troops who were already there. I'm personally hoping and praying that the international community will not only help with the wars but will put in place an accountable framework together with the necessary infrastructues for a smooth running society. I am living here in London in a safe environment but my whole spirit is wounded because of all the pictures I keep seeing of that once beautiful country of ours.
The world is a global community.I wish people that comment on any situation remembers they are dealing with human beings. The situation in Sierra Leone highlights just that.
Mervyn Macauley, Denmark
Once again, UK forces are intervening to protect not only British citizens but also many other European ones. Once again, wealthy European nations will not lift a finger to help and leave it all to the Brits and Americans. This does not bode well for any future European Army, nor for European Unity !!!!
Paul Siemering, US Let us spare a thought for the hundreds of mainly African UN troops that are currently detained in Sierra Leone. The UN and international community is showing a high level of interest in the problems in Sierra Leone and ought to be commended.
Such a crisis would never occur in Europe due to the military power and control which each government now possesses. Surely the African Nations should follow suit and create a League of African States which could be backed by such a vast force seen in organisations such as NATO.
Kofi Atiemo, UK
I am just about Africa'd out i.e. African fatigue. Who's fault is this? It is the fault of the people doing the killing, not the UN or the US or Britain. Africa must be left alone to solve its own problems or it will never, ever learn how to solve crisis.
The bitter truth we Africans must accept is that much as we always cause our own problems, the UN and so-called international community never really care for black suffering. In African refugee camps these international "humanitarian bodies" offer the bare minimum. We all saw how differently the refugees in Kosovo were treated. It's an unfair world being run by a bunch of white racists. Don't bother the UN and that clumsy puppet Anan. Henry Ochieng, Uganda Where are the rebels getting their weapons? Their weapons are made in their countries? I don't think so. Somebody abroad is selling them to the rebel and helping the atrocities happen, indirectly though. People abroad cannot say they have no responsibility for the crisis arising in Africa.
Please the UN, help the people of Sierra Leone by teaching the rebel leader that peace is the only way of life. Arrest him and let him free the captives and later fight those senseless young soldiers of the senseless rebel leader.
Under current condition, however, UN troops should not withdraw to give up hope on peace. First, UN should strengthen its position in and around Freetown to enforce a secure zone for the fleeing people, and to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees. Second, UN should make it clear that anyone who is against peace, and commits war crimes, will be tried as criminals. Third, The border of Sierra Leone should be sealed, and all trades stopped to deprive the rebel army of its fighting resources. Jun Wu, Norway (China) It is very natural that when a person is confused and desperately in search of solution, the tendency to listen to those in power is very high. In a crisis situation, as what we are seeing in Sierra Leone, it is very convincing to align with the affluent. The west influenced the Sierra Leone peace process, they should participate, militarily, in getting Sierra Leone back on track.
If there is no hope of stopping the RUF, in part due to many of the Sierra Leone army themselves being integrated into the RUF, would there be a way to evacuate the common people out of Sierra Leone to safety? Sara Nevil, USA
Nobody should blame the government of Sierra Leone for signing the peace agreement with Sankoh and his rebels. There is a new mood sweeping the International community of nations that all can be forgiven in the interest of peace and to save lives. Practically the same thing is happening in Northern Ireland.
Dave Adams, USA Now tell me, who buys the diamonds? Who makes the weapons? So do you wonder who kills us...keep wondering.
It's about time the UK stopped sending troops to sort out other peoples problems. As usual we are getting dragged into a problem that has nothing to do with us while the rest of Europe and the USA does not have the bottle or experience to evacuate its own people. I suppose they will turn up and take the glory when the bullets stop flying. As they have done in virtually every other conflict.
I think that Francis Maude's approach goes to show how the Tories are thinking these days: why should British (read: white) blood be spilled to pacify an obscure (read: African) country? Disgusting bigotry. Markus Gschwari, UK
I am glad that Britain has finally decided to "just go ahead" and intervene. I must admit I was surprised at the apparently speedy decision to do so. Now that we have, I believe we can stay and work with the people of Sierra Leone to rid them of the rebels. I honestly believe increasing the ineffective UN peacekeepers with yet more... and a lot more at that... is a fatal mistake.
Marcus Fronto, USA
Is anyone aware of the events in Freetown after its recapture by ECOMOG in 99? Dozens of suspected rebel narks and sympathisers were beaten, raped and eventually killed by people and forces (Including ECOMOG) loyal to and working for the government. These events in Freetown were shown British TV last year. I suggest (just to be on the safe side) from now on when the UN contracts West African armies to restore peace in Sierra Leone it provides a free copy of the Geneva Convention - for beginners.
Rahim Bhourhan London
Sierra Leoneans had hoped UNAMSIL was the best thing to happen to us in our quest for peace. What a disappointment indeed. UNAMSIL had assured us they would protect lives and property in Sierra Leone and that they were capable of keeping the peace; and so, they got ECOMOG to quit. How sad! It has turned out they can't even protect themselves UNAMSIL should either leave or be considerably downsized in order to save the bulk of the hundreds of millions of dollars being wasted on them; just a fraction will be adequate to support ECOMOG operations.
The problem in Sierra Leone is common a problem in Africa. The West should leave Africans to solve their own problems. Africans understand themselves better. Let African Leaders meet and try to solve these problems once and for all.
The problem in Sierra Leone is not only the inability of the UN to control the situation, rather the greed for power and diamond cash of the LEADERS. They all agreed to settle this matter once and for all (for the benefit of the common people). They preached nationalism, equality, and an end to corruption. What have we seen of all that? It is time we Africans take responsibility for ourselves.
I agree with one of the comments made, expressing the essential need for education, to reduce the possibility of children being drawn into such conflicts in the future. However little is being said about ways that the market for diamonds might be influenced. Is anyone aware of work being undertaken to try to reduce sales of illegal Sierra Leonian diamonds (either in Liberia or in international diamond markets such as Antwerp)? Although difficult to achieve in practice, surely more efforts could be made to reduce the flow of illegal diamonds from Sierra Leone, which are fuelling this war.
Abdul, USA I was irked when I watched on TV how the so-called UN peacekeepers in Sierra Leone were being disarmed by the rebels and they seemed like children and defenceless. Their mission there was to devise ways to bring about peace.
But how can such naive persons who cannot even defend themselves be labelled peacekeepers? It is high time they evacuated and looked for survival means elsewhere. In my personal opinion, UN peacekeeper presence only agitated the already peaceless state.
George Johnson, UK I can't believe that the world
does not do more to stop the
violence here.
I can't believe that a blanket
amnesty was given for the terrible
human right violations that
were done.
Africa goes from one disaster to another.
Questions have to be asked how many more decades will the Dark Continent live up to its name? It is time for the west to wash its hands of Africa - one can not make peace where there is none.
Whilst it is right for the Western powers to ask Africans to police their own problem areas, it has been proved again and again that they do not have the professionalism or the resources. People like Sanko cannot be allowed to run wild and must be held accountable. Hamad Lone, Saudi Arabia The international community did not force the government to sign the peace accord, It was necessary to sign an accord because of all the atrocities that the so-called RUF has caused in that country. Who do we blame for all these problems is Sierra Leone? Foday Sankoh who thought he was right for waging war on his own people, now he has torn the entire country apart. I hope Foday Sankoh could face trial for crimes committed against humanity.
Why set the limits of the UN's failure to Africa. I don't think they have the ability to keep the peace anywhere.
Mamadu Juma Bah, Sierra Leone Sierra Leone needs all the outside help that it can get. Innocent lives are being taken by the dozens everyday and will not stop until the US and UK sends military intervention.
Paul Yardley, England
My family are from Freetown and I never had the chance to see the country as a youngster, now I am a man and want to go I can't because of the RUF. I think our government was too hasty in turning over their arms. As we can see from the situation, they (RUF) now hold all the Arms, we cannot rely or wait to see what the western world will do, I can tell you, they will do nothing, once all the British are out of the Country.
A representative of the RUF was shown on CNN boasting that when they maim innocent civilians the world takes note. Having lured the US and UN to send the Nigerians, whom they dread home, they are now extending that principle to the UN troops. Even the Rev. Jesse Jackson was among those fooled by the rebels. I repeat, it is only in Africa that warlords aspire to be Presidents instead of facing war crime tribunals. The only way to stop the madness is to resolve to charge Foday Sankor with crimes against humanity - against the month-old kids he has maimed, at least.
I am kindly pleading to the international community to come to the aid of the people of Sierra Leone, to rescue us from these barbaric, carnivorous beasts. If I can recall the incidents last year 6th January and the following days when these wild beasts stormed the city of Freetown, it was really terrible. The cruelty to mankind was beyond imagining. So to avoid such repetition, I am please calling the international community to rush to our rescue and find a suitable way to deal with these idiots. We are tired. Mohamed Tejansie, Gambia
It's time we realise African politics and lack of civil stability are things Americans cannot and should not continue to try to control. Britain take heed, remove your nationals and then your military forces and close your borders to refugees. Leave Africa to the Africans until they are ready to join the ranks of civilised nations. Mick DeMario, USA
It is very disappointing to read comments that evoke the Darwinian principle. Such comments are, at best, based on a complete misunderstanding of the issues; or, at worst, on some jaded view of African development. The issues are simple: Firstly, it was criminal to reward Sankoh's atrocities, and secondly, the conflict is perpetually fuelled by the buyers of smuggled diamonds. The people of Sierra Leone never asked for this. Outgunned by diamond-purchased weaponry, the Government was forced to accept the RUF in Freetown (sending a dangerous signal to Sankoh). Then, of course, there was the UN . . .
The way that the UN officers treated us in Sierra Leone resembles like when a child depends upon a bogus father who makes many promises but cannot fulfil them. It is a big shame on the part of UN. Please UN officers you are highly paid for your mission in Sierra Leone therefore we don't expect you to mingle yourselves with the big bully's blood money and diamonds.
I think that we should stop giving aid to these countries until they get their act together. British Paras or Marines should be sent in to evacuate our people and the UN troops should adopt a maximum force approach.
The bottom line is that neither the government nor the RUF is sincere about keeping the peace. Only Johnny Paul Koroma is sincere and he is out of his depth. If UN realises that the problem is not just with the rebels but also with the government, they would not have taken sides like they did to forcefully disarm rebels whilst the government militia prances around fully armed.
Britain should show her muscle and demonstrate a show of force, like the Falklands War to bring peace. Force is the only language that these kind of warring factions understand. Jeff, USA I want to take this opportunity to thank the UN for the little they have done. Sierra Leone is rather an unfortunate country. We are tired with this nonsense from Foday Sankoh and crew. I believe he should be arrested for murder.
We need military help from US, UK, France and any country than can help to stop these senseless acts.
Secondly, patriotic Sierra Leoneans had moved against the content of the Lome agreement where power was given to those who had committed atrocities against the citizenry where given positions without any remorse. Finally, Foday Sankoh has to copy cat his former mentor Charles Taylor by becoming Head of State at all cost. Too much lip service is paid to this process. How can the ones fuelling the war be negotiators - Charles Taylor, Blaise Campaore, Eyadema, former Konan Bedie and may be the present Junta. It is like setting a thief to catch a thief. Sankoh and his men will never give up power. How will they survive without the diamonds and looted property. The war will end if they are sent out of diamond areas and their bank accounts frozen. Henry Williams, Sierra Leone/New York Two years ago 120 mainly South Africans had FULL control over the Rebels. They were called "mercenaries". What a shame to let them leave!! But everybody listened to the devil himself (Sankoh). He demanded that Executive Outcomes Leave Sierra Leone. So they left.
Tunji Sandford, Nigeria Once again, we see how totally
incompetent UN supervised military
operations are. The top leadership
within the United Nations simply
does not exist. What a waste.
Ex - Helicopter Pilot in Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe The house may come down and white UN vehicles may role by but the dust kicked up in their wake is not worth saving. The Belgians helped Rwanda, the French Cambodia, the Americans South America, and the Brits - Sierra Leone. When the blood runs down the veins and the foreigners go running away there will be no tally of the borders drawn up centuries ago. The diamonds simply weigh more than a Sierra Leonian kid and that's about all that De Beers will come back to.
I think it would be much more effective if the UN just paid regional bodies to restore peace at the trouble spots of Africa. The Nigerian soldiers, in my opinion, have done an excellent job of restoring peace there. Now UN troops from other continents are brought. These troops do not really understand the politics in this region and therefore are less likely to be effective.
Ed Damvelt, Mexico/Netherlands Johny Barrow of US: The UK, US and France intervene only when their interests are concerned. They intervened in Kuwait because of oil. In Yugoslavia, they intervened to weaken Milosevic - the only real opponent of Nato's expansion on the Balkans. Protecting democracy and human rights is just a pretext designed for naive people. If Nato were to expand into Africa, then Sankoh would be in trouble. But, Nato is not going to invade Africa any time soon. So, Sankoh can sleep peacefully, unless rival clans decide to go after him.
What is happening in Sierra Leone has happened else where in this Dark Continent.
Mr. Sankhol has no interest in saving what ever has remained of decency if it ever is in his country. He knows that which the largest contingency of the UN troops his source of wealth, diamond will be cut off.
The best thing is to check the source of the problems. Poverty, dictatorism, power, corruption, greed and hunger are the main ingredients that cause the turmoil. For Sierra Leone case, by capture the warlords involved and flew them thousands of miles away from Africa and face trial in The Hague is the best solution. The neighbours also must assist by land blockage so no rebels or fighter can escape. Send Special Force troops to harass the remainder of the rebels till they eventually surrender toward peaceful solutions. Don't let the warlords back home for a long, long time.
Seriously speaking, Sierra Leoneans are not yet ready for genuine peace. The world should not force the rebels and government when the two parties are not yet willing to behave peacefully. So the world should back off and let Sierra Leoneans behave in the way they know best.
The UK and the US (the evil twins) are not interested in the suffering of the people of Sierra Leone and couldn't care less if everyone dropped dead there; it is not as if there is any natural wealth. They will try to make us believe that they care though, because it's a very popular stance at the moment. Jose Fernandez, Netherlands
Perhaps Bill Powers is right and we should respect the principle of Darwinian Evolution. I.e. let the people of the nation decide whether to live peacefully or to destroy themselves. When Europe was experiencing its growing pains over the last couple of millennia, there was no big brother to come along and intervene. Why should we intervene in Africa, further, it is right for us to intervene?
Collin, Canada
Maybe the UN intervened to late. Had they done things earlier maybe there would not be such a problem of kidnapping.
Trust or to be more cynical "faith in bandits" was left to see the peace process through. Mr. Sankoh will not be satisfied unless he becomes President of the country. Ahead of the elections, he is now using tactics design to submit the nation to fear and helplessness. He is bent on creating a situation in which the people vote him into power through fear. Does this sound like Charles Taylor in Liberia? Yes it does. The real issue is what will the UN do? The people of Sierra Leone want peace. Help us get rid of these bandits. Francis Stevens George, Norway This war is all about diamonds and money. In my five year stay in Freetown and close to getting caught in the 1999 Freetown attack by the rebels I realised most of the political leaders have no interest in developing their country and on the other hand the rebels have no clue what they are doing but for hopes that they will be able to mine diamonds and loot Freetown when they reach there.
Sankor knew that when he starts doing what he is doing, the rest of the world will not fight back but will pack up and run away, leaving the poor defenceless people to be slaughtered, raped and mutilated. Too bad General Abacha and Khobe died. Sahr Kobba-Bangurah, USA The UN needs serious reforms.
It is supposed to be neutral and not to serve the interests of particular nations.
It is a real shame on UN that 300 of its stuff has been taken as hostages.
This situation very badly affects the image of the UN on World arena.
Once you lose the trust, it's hard to regain it!
Half of Africa has to perish for us to understand that peace is something invaluable. America's freedom did not come cheap. Through a bloody civil war, they learned the hard way. Let those nations in Africa pass through the same lesson. Only then they will respect peace. Thank God Tanzania is mature enough and is not interested in knowing what it's like killing and maiming fellow citizens.
African Leaders should go seriously to the negotiation table and bring Sierra Leone back to life, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
I think its about time the UK, US and France render a helping hand to any African nation that is trying to preach democracy. Yugoslavia was helped as well as Kuwait. WHY? Is it because of their ASSETS or because of who they are? We should protect one another in planet earth, and render help to innocent civilians who are been killed because they do not have an equipped army to fight for them. If Sankoh wins then a precedence has been set for others to follow. But if there is intervention by UK, US or France then Sankoh's example will not be followed by others.
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