Sierra Leone
Articles from:
2004 | 2003 | 2002| 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998
Key UN Documents
Eighteenth Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (June 23, 2003)
This report highlights initiatives to return stability to Sierra Leone. Such initiatives include strengthening the capacity
of police and armed forces, and restoring government control over diamond mining.
The report also outlines plans for the withdrawal of UNAMSIL peacekeepers.
Fourteenth Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Sierra
Leone (June 19, 2002)
The Secretary General analyzes the conduct
and the outcome of the May 2002 parliamentary elections. The report describes
the challenges before the judicial system and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
It also warns that the civil war in liberia greatly threatens the peace in Sierra
Leone.
Report by UN Expert Panel on Liberia (April 19, 2002)
A comprehensive
UN report on Liberia's continuing violation of the arms embargo. The report investigates
the Liberian government's compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1343
of March 2001 under which sanctions were imposed on Monrovia for its links with
the former rebel Revolutionary United Front in neighboring Sierra Leone.
Security Council Resolution 1389 (January 16, 2002)
A resolution
adopted by the Security Council authorizing UNAMSIL to provide election-related
support to the National Electoral Commission.
UN
Expert Panel Report on Sierra Leone (December 20, 2000)
A UN panel
uncovers the role of Liberia's Charles Taylor and many others in diamond and arms
trafficking in Sierra Leone.
Eighth report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (December 15, 2000)
Security Council Report on Mission to Sierra Leone in October 2000 (S/2000/992)
Sanctions Related Documents
UN
Resolution 1171 Imposing Sanctions Against Sierra Leone (June 5, 1998)
By which the Council decided measures to prohibit the sale and supply of arms
and related matériel to non-governmental forces.
UN
Resolution 1132 Imposing Sanctions Against Sierra Leone (October 8, 1997)
By which the Council imposed sanctions against the military junta and prevented
the sale of petroleum and arms.
Key NGO Documents
Sierra Leone: The State of Security and Governance (September 2, 2003)
This International Crisis Group report praises the efforts of UNAMSIL but emphasizes the continuing problems of the political apparatus in the country. Other problems include the longstanding mismanagement of the diamond mines, and the tenuous situation in Liberia.
"We'll Kill
You If You Cry": Sexual Violence in the Sierra Leone Conflict (January 2003)
Sexual violence is Sierra Leone's "silent war crime." This Human Rights Watch
report details the widespread and systemic rape of women and girls by combatants
in Sierra Leone's civil war from 1991-2001. The report also exposes rapes committed
by UNAMSIL peacekeepers during this period.
Sierra Leone After Elections: Politics as Usual? (July 15, 2002)
The International Crisis Group recommends that to preserve the fragile
peace in Sierra Leone, the UN Security Council should keep peacekeepers in the
strategic and at-risk parts of the country, improve and downsize the army and
the police, monitor Liberia, and create an international contact group on the
Manu River regional crisis.
Review
of the Sierra Leone Diamond Certification System and Proposals (April 25, 2001)
This report of Global Witness reviews the diamond certification system
in Sierra Leone and gives recommendations to strengthen controls against conflict
diamonds.
Peacekeeping in Sierra Leone: UNAMSIL Hits the Home Straight (January 2002)
This monograph provides an overview of the inconclusive interventions in the Sierra
Leone conflict, up to and including the deployment of UNAMSIL. It also reports
on the advances made in the peace process, with specific emphasis on the present
role of UNAMSIL in support of the Abuja II Agreement. (Institute for Security Studies).
Rearmament
in Sierra-Leone: One Year After the Lomé Peace Agreement (December 2000)
This report by Eric Berman from Small Arms Survey examines the supply chain
of small arms and light weapons into Sierra Leone - from Burkina Faso and Liberia
for the RUF and from the UK for the Sierra Leonean government.
NGO Letter Calling for Security Council
Action on the Diamond Trade and the Civil War in Sierra Leone (June 2, 2000)
A letter from Care International presents the position of several humanitarian
NGOs and Global Policy Forum calling on the Security Council to strengthen the
ban on trafficking arms and diamonds as a step towards ending the civil war in
Sierra Leone. (Care International)
The
Heart of the Matter; Sierra Leone, Diamonds and Human Security (January 2000)
This report by the Partnership Africa Canada demonstrates the centrality
of diamonds in the Sierra Leone war. It also includes important recommendations
to governments, the UN, and the diamond industry.
NGO Consultation
On September 28, 2000, Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock, Permanent Representative of the UK to the Security Council, invited a group of NGOs, including Global Policy Forum, OXFAM, Médecins sans Frontií¨res, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, for consultations with the Security Council and relevant UN agencies before finalising the program and objectives for the Council's mission to Sierra Leone October 7-14, 2000. The input of NGOs contributed significantly to the mission, and future NGO consultation and collaboration is addressed in the S/2000/992 report.
Articles
2004
UN Troops Hand Over Security in Freetown to Government Forces (September 24, 2004)
UNAMSIL has handed over security to government forces in Sierra Leone's Western Area in anticipation of its June 2005 withdrawal. UNAMSIL was scheduled to depart at the end of 2004 but the Security Council extended its mandate in light of security concerns in Liberia and Guinea. Some Sierra Leoneans, however, still do not trust the military establishment saying, "How will I trust them not to repeat their acts when they were not punished?" (Integrated Regional Information Networks)
UNASMIL Hands Over Security
Primacy of Eastern Region (August 9, 2004)
The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone began to hand over "security primacy" for the Eastern Province to the government of Sierra Leone. Although they ceded much power and control, UN peacekeepers will remain in the country to aid and advise the new army and police force. (allAfrica)
UN Ties Al Qaeda Figure to Diamonds (June 28, 2004)
The Wall Street Journal reports that al Qaeda surveyed potential diamond-trading operations in Liberia and acquired diamonds from war-torn Sierra Leone. UN war crimes prosecutors believe that conflict diamond trading in West Africa might have been a "central component of al Qaeda's finances."
UN Keeps Sierra Leone Peacekeepers (March 30, 2004)
The UN Security Council has decided to extend the mandate of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) by six months, and to authorize a scaled-down peacekeeping force until June 2005 to allow time for the country's armed forces and police to assert control over the territory. (Associated Press)
2003
UN Council Ends Bans on Sierra
Leone Diamonds (June 4, 2003)The Security Council determined that Sierra Leone no longer threatens international peace and security by trading in conflict diamonds. A government-initiated certification plan and cooperation with external regulators ended a 3-year period of sanctions on the country. (Reuters)
Sierra Leone Wraps Up Atrocities
Report (April 1, 2003)
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
has accumulated 6,000 reports of human rights abuses committed during Sierra Leone's
civil war in the 1990s. A separate war crimes tribunal is currently preparing
to try the first cases. (Associated Press)
Unamsil's
Mandate Extended By Six Months (March 31, 2003)
The UN Security
Council extended the mandate of the Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) for six
months. The UN Secretary General's report calls on states, international organizations
and non-governmental organizations to continue supporting the country's recovery.
(Integrated Regional Information Networks)
Sierra Leone
War Crimes Court Will Hunt Guilty Anywhere (March 18, 2003)
As the
Sierra Leone's special war crimes court may prosecute any foreigners responsible
in the conflict, Liberia's President Charles Taylor may be included among those
convicted. "There is clear evidence of regional and international involvement
-- in terms of funding, political backing and military support," says the prosecutor
for the war crimes court. (Reuters)
Tribunal
Indicts Sierra Leone Rebel Leader (March 10, 2003)
Sierra Leone's
war crimes tribunal indicted the most notorious of the rebel leaders in the country,
Foday Sankoh. Sankoh's Revolutionary United Front sought to control the government
and diamond fields, and committed the most serious human rights violations. (Associated
Press)
British Troops
Arrive to Shore Up Security (February 24, 2003)
Britain sent a total
of 300 soldiers to Sierra Leone to help the UN mission and protect Sierra Leone's
capital. The presence of the troops may anticipate a potentially bigger conflict.
(Inter Press Service)
2002
UN
Security Council Extends Prohibition (December 5, 2002)
As the illicit
diamond trade in Sierra Leone remains a threat to security, the UN Security Council
decided to extend the prohibition on direct or indirect import of rough diamonds
from Sierra Leone for a new period of six months. (Presswire)
The
Liberian Government Finally Admits Support to RUF (November 27, 2002)
Less
than a month before the formal opening of the Special War Crime Tribunal in Sierra
Leone, Liberian president Charles Taylor clearly admits his support for the RUF.
This article in the Perspective encourages the Liberian people and the
international community to impeach Mr. Taylor.
Peace
And Diamonds (November 22, 2002)
The Sierra Leone diamond industry
has always served only the needs of a mercenary and parasitic elite class and
their foreign business partners. In contrast, the exploited indigenous populations
in the area receive few social services and benefits. (Standard Times)
As
Sierra Leone's War Crimes Court Takes Shape, Speculation Abounds (October 29,
2002)
The Sierra Leone's war crimes tribunal, expected to begin
in December 2002, brings much speculation on prosecutions for crimes against humanity
in one of Africa's most brutal civil wars. (Tehran Times)
UNAMSIL
– A Peacekeeping Success Lessons Learned (October, 2002)
Refugees
International's study shows how UN peacekeeping missions can successfully
end conflicts. UNAMSIL, despite some mistakes and failures, could restore peace
and stability in Sierra Leone.
Bin
Laden's Dollars 20m African 'Blood Diamond' Deals (October 20, 2002)
Before September 11, Al-Qaida converted millions of dollars into diamonds from
the RUF (Revolutionary United Front) in Sierra Leone. Terrorist organizations
"can easily transport (diamonds) over borders without detection and convert them
back into banknotes whenever they need the money." (Observer)
UNAMSIL Mandate
(September 18, 2002)
Standard Times appreciates the crucial
help and support of UNAMSIL in Sierra Leone's peace process. This article pleads
to world leaders to extend the Mission's mandate in the area.
Annan
Suggests Scaling Down UNAMSIL (September 12, 2002)
Kofi Annan,
encouraged by positive developments in Sierra Leone, proposes to extend the mission
while downsizing gradually the number of troops in the area. Sierra Leonean President
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah warns of the fragile political and security situation in Liberia.
(Integrated Regional Information Networks)
Bangladesh
Takes the Lead in UNAMSIL Mission (August 9, 2002)
The UN Mission
in Sierra Leone is bringing new ideas and initiatives, in areas such as health,
education, humanitarian relief and roads rehabilitation activities, "which although
lie outside their direct and normal UN mandate, are nevertheless contributing
significantly to the overall development of the country." (Standard Times)
Liberian
Conflict Tops Instability Sources in MRU Sub-Region (July 1, 2002)
Ambassador Adolfo Zinser, representing Mexico in the UN Security Council, has
concluded that violence in Liberia remains the top danger to peace in Sierra Leone.
He also draws attention to extreme socio-economic conditions, and humanitarian
and human rights situations as additional threats. (The News (Monrovia))
Sierra Leone Remains a Major
Diplomatic Victory (June 17, 2002)
In an extensive interview,
Ambassador Ralph Uwechue from Nigeria comments on the, often overlooked, roles
of Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the Sierra
Leone and DRC peace negotiations. (The Daily Trust)
Sierra Leone's Troubling Stones (May, 22, 2002)
The peace agreement
signed in January has yet to bring changes to Sierra Leone's diamond-rich Kono
district. However, as prosperity relies on the successful supervision of such
rich fields, lack of government funding can jeopardize the national diamond-taxing
mechanisms. (Christian Science Monitor)
An
Ethnic Divide Or an Image Factor? (May 27, 2002)
The UN saw the
May 14th elections in Sierra Leone as a peace-building strategy but some analysts
suggest that they created ethnic divides. The Standard Times opposes such view
and argues that political parties lost in some regions not because of the parties'
ethnic character but due to their poor image. (The Standard Times (Freetown)
In Once-Brutal War Zone,
A Model Arises (May 16, 2002)
The serious regional and international
involvement in Sierra Leone represents the "recipe for potential success that
can be replicated anywhere on the continent", reports John Prendergast from the
International Crisis Group following the peaceful process of elections in the
country. (Christian Science Monitor)
For
Sierra Leone Ballot, Hope Trumps Despair (May 13, 2002)
On the
eve of elections in Freetown, the question arises as to what will be the role
of the UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone if the process goes smoothly, and
whether the country "can survive without that umbrella". (New York Times)
Largest
UN Peacekeeping Mission to Oversee Sierra Leone Elections (March 29, 2002)
The Security Council extends the UN Special Mission in Sierra Leone for an additional
six months. Political leaders in the country say that "the peacekeepers' presence
will be essential to ensuring that presidential elections in May - the first since
the 10-year civil war ended - are carried out smoothly." (Voice of America
News)
UN Takes Action
Against Peacekeepers' Misconduct (March 18, 2002)
In reaction to
the accusation against the peacekeepers in the UN mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
for sexual abuse and exploitation of refugees, UNAMSIL trains its troops on women
and children rights and enforces zero-tolerance against sexual misconduct. (Toronto
Star)
Despite
Demobilizing Efforts, Guns Are Hard To Disable (February 28, 2002)
The UN campaign to disarm and demobilize thousands of young rebels in Sierra Leone
is neither cheap nor easy. The campaign is costing $31 million and unless the
guns are completely destroyed, many components can still be salvaged and recycled
into new conflicts. (Chicago Tribune)
Sierra Leone's 'Flames
of Peace' (January 18, 2002)
The president of Sierra Leone declares
the end to one of Africa's most brutal wars. Under the UN-brokered peace program,
some 47,000 rebels and government militiamen have turned in their weapons over
the past year. (BBC News)
Security Council Authorizes UN Force in Sierra Leone to Help With Elections (January
17, 2002)
The Security Council unanimously adopts a resolution
authorizing the UN peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone to facilitate "the smooth
holding of elections" in May 2002. (Ananova)
Fighters "Disarmed" in Sierra Leone (January 6, 2002)
UN peacekeeping
forces say that they have disarmed all but a few of the fighters in Sierra Leone.
Those remaining are in the diamond-rich east of the country, where the fighting
began. Some analysts fear that the peace process is being pushed too fast and
Sierra Leone's citizens worry that peacekeeping forces may withdraw before real
stability is achieved. (BBC)
2001
Danger for Sierra Leone (December 18, 2001)
Key militia groups are jeopardizing the country's political future by refusing to hand over heavy weaponry to the UN Mission in Sierra Leone. The rebels are also responsible for selling diamonds in contravention of UN Security Council resolutions.
(Africa Analysis)
Diamonds Slow Sierra Leone Peace (November 25, 2001)
RUF rebels are continuing to delay the disarmanent programme and the return of rebel-held territories to the government. Though the rebels continue to make political demands, the main motivation for the delay lies in the desire to "pluck as many gems as possible" during the interim period. (Reuters)
Spotlight on Sierra Leone Peace (November 14, 2001)
Officials of the UN and ECOWAS will meet to evaluate the implementation of the cease-fire accord signed between the RUF and the government one year ago. (Agence France Presse )
Sierra Leone Disarmament Pleases UN (November 11, 2001)
The UN welcomes the recent cooperation by rebels and pro-government militia fighters and expresses hope that disarmament could be completed by a November 30 deadline (Associated Press)
UN Exposes Arms Smuggling (November 6, 2001)
A recent UN report on Liberia has uncovered the alleged involvement of a Singapore-registered private company in financing an arms deal in Liberia. The chairman of the Indonesian Djan Djajanti group that owns the private company is reportedly a close friend of Liberian President Charles Taylor.
(News 24)
UN Arms Embargo Failing, Weak Export Controls Largely to Blame (November 5, 2001)
The United Nations Security Council must enforce the international arms embargo on Liberia, according to this Human Right Watch report.
Disagreement on UN Sanctions Against Liberia (October 31, 2001)
Although a panel of UN experts have reported that tightening sanctions would have more negative impacts on Liberia's economy, another panel has recently recommended to extend the sanctions. The Security Council must choose between "effectively hurting the Liberian elite but at the same time worsening the humanitarian situation."
(Afrol News)
UN Panel Experts Call for 'Additional' Sanctions on Liberia (October 29, 2001)
Sierra Leone: Managing Uncertainty (October 24, 2001)
Disagreeing With Kofi Annan (October 23, 2001)
UN May Relax Sanctions On Monrovia (October 18, 2001)
UN Says Tighter Liberia Sanctions Would Harm Poor (October 12, 2001) Global Witness, ITF Cite Liberia's "Infringements" of UN Sanctions(October 1, 2001) Global Witness Director Speaks On Timber And Sanctions(August 29, 2001) Sierra Leone Seizes Illegal Diamonds (August 28, 2001) Taylor's Foot Soldiers, "Flowers" And the UN Sanctions List (August 9, 2001) Mining ban snubbed in Sierra Leone (July 30, 2001) Most Serious Attacks in Months -- UN Peacekeepers Needed (July 24, 2001) Sierra Leone Diamond Mining Ban (July 18, 2001) Sierra Leone Disarmament Reaches Diamond Country (July 3, 2001) The Sanctions and the Future of Liberia (June 22, 2001) Why UN Should Deny Taylor Arms Waiver (June 20, 2001) Nigeria 'Not Happy' About UN Sanctions Against Liberia (June 11, 2001) Liberia Argues Need For Arms (June 11, 2001) France And Taylor's "Presidential Pepperbush" (June 5, 2001) Desperate Taylor, The Next War... (June 1, 2001) Liberian Accuses Britain of Stirring Regional War (May 30, 2001) War in Sierra Leone Loosens Its Grip on Child Soldiers (May 26, 2001) Powell's Peacekeeping Promise (May 24, 2001) No Liberian Diamonds in Bush America (May 24, 2001) Sierra Leonean Disarmament Gains Momentum (May 23, 2001) Snags Hit Sierra Leone Disarmament (May 22, 2001) Rebels Without a Future (May 22, 2001) The War That Spread (May 19, 2001) New War at Home for Rebel-Backing Taylor (May 17, 2001) Sierra Leone Army and RUF Agree to Stop Fighting (May 16, 2001) UN Security Council Briefed On Regional Crises (May 16, 2001) Weapons Turned Into Ploughshares in Sierra Leone (May 15, 2001) Media Group Calls On UN to Indict Charles Taylor for War Crimes (May 14, 2001) Rebel Leader's Fate Discussed in Sierra Leone ( May 9, 2001) Liberian Timber Profits Finance Regional Conflict (May 8, 2001) Sanctions 'Richly Deserved' (May 6, 2001) UN to Apply Limited Sanctions (May 4, 2001) Rebels Agree to Release UNAMSIL Weapons (May 3, 2001) Taylor's Liberia Remains Focus of Critics (May 2, 2001) Sierra Leone Front-Line Trade Thriving (May 2, 2001) Sierra Leone Peace Coordination Group, RUF Meet (May 1, 2001) Guinea Refuses Stationing of ECOWAS Troops (April 27, 2001) Spanish Greenpeace Supports Embargo on Liberia's "Wood of War" (April 26, 2001) Short Sparks UN Row With Attack on Peacekeepers (April 23, 2001) Saddam's Oil & Taylor's Timber (April 21, 2001) Sierra Leone Rebels Contemplate Life Without Guns (April 14, 2001) Liberia Sanctions on Hold (April 12, 2001) Sierra Leone: Time for a New Military and Political Strategy (April 11, 2001) West Africa States Try to Head Off Regional War (April 10, 2001) Rebels Reiterate Commitment to Cooperation With UN (April 9, 2001) UN Enters Rebel-Held Diamond Town (April 9, 2001) Liberia Starts Mobilizing Civil War Fighters (April 9, 2001) Threat to Sierra Leone Ceasefire (April 4, 2001) Sierra Leone Government, Rebels Say Peace at Hand Despite Hurdles (April 4, 2001) Sierra Leone Rebels Want to End 10 - Year War (April 3, 2001) UN to Add Troops in Sierra Leone (April 1, 2001) Liberia Seeks UN Peacekeepers to Verify Demands Met (March 28, 2001) Osten
Airport: Arms Running Obasanjo's "No Sanctions",
No Alternative Policy (March 23, 2001) UN Wants to Extend and
Strengthen Sierra Leone Mission (March 21, 2001) Implications of UN Sanctions
Reprieve (March 20, 2001) Liberia Bans Import of
'Blood Diamonds' Following UN Strictures (March 19, 2001) UN Deploys in RUF-Held
Territory (March 15, 2001) ECOWAS, UN Continue Talks
on Regional Security (March 10, 2001) Liberia Pledges Compliance
With UN (March 8, 2001) UN Imposes Sanctions on
Liberia's Diamond Exports (March 7, 2001) UN Moves Toward Ban on
Liberia Diamond Exports (March 1, 2001) Sierra Leone Joins Guinea
For Immediate Liberia Sanctions (February 26, 2001) Students Want UN Report
Published (February 21, 2001) New Fighting Is Feared
in Sierra Leone Unless UN Force Acts (February 20, 2001) Angola, Sierra Leone
Introduce Diamonds Certification (February 19, 2001) We Mourn For Sierra
Leone's Children (February 17, 2001) UN Delays Liberia Sanctions
(February 16, 2001) Sierra Leone Rebels Return
Stolen UN Equipment (February 13, 2001) Parliament Extends Presidential
Term (February 13, 2001) West Africans Request
Sanctions Delay (February 13, 2001) Rights Group Demands
Taylor's Resignation (February 10, 2001) Liberia Claims Sanctions
Victory (February 6, 2001) France's Stance on Sanctions
Viewed as Affront to Liberians (February 5, 2001) UN Diplomats Counter
Liberia's Claims of Innocence (February 2, 2001) UN Troops in Sierra Leone
Accused of Being 'on Holiday' (January 30, 2001) West African Nations Criticize
UN (January 26, 2001) Liberia Lifts Ban on
Visas for US Officials and Families (January 26, 2001) The Role of Liberia's
Logging Industry on National And Regional Insecurity (January 24, 2001)
US Urges UN to Ban Liberian
Diamonds and Timber (January 18, 2001) Taylor Moves To Own
Minerals (January 18, 2001) Liberia's U-Turn on Sierra
Leone (January 15, 2001) RUF Agrees to Open Roads
Within 72 Hours (January 4, 2001) British Forces to Stay
in Sierra Leone (January 1, 2001)
September - December 2000 | May - August 2000 | January - April 2000
Liberia's continuing relationship with Sierra Leone's RUF rebels explains the UN's decision to impose additional sanctions on the government.
(Sierra Leone Web)
The International Crisis Group report on Sierra Leone responds to the international community's "cautious optimism" about lasting peace in the country. The report warns that Sierra Leone's history of stalled or collapsed peace processes may yet repeat itself if the crucial next seven months are not managed with care.
According to the Perspective, the Secretary General should not dissuade the Security Council from imposing further sanctions against Monrovia, arguing new measures would not increase the sufferings of ordinary Liberians.
Liberian Head of State Charles Taylor is taking important steps to secure peace in the Mano river basin; a move that may prompt the Security Council to consider relaxing sanctions against the government.
(Standard Times)
The current sanctions on Liberia, approved by the Security Council when Liberia was selling arms to Sierra Leone in exchange for diamonds, are about to be tightened. Secretary General Kofi Anan warns that such a move will mostly affect the country's poor, ''given that their resilience and coping capabilities are next to exhausted.'' (Reuters)
Global Witness and the International Transport Workers Federation denounce that Liberia not only violates UN sanctions, but also has adopted various other means of circumventing the sanctions, especially in the timber industry.
(Perspective)
The Perspective interviews Mr. Alley, Global Witness Director, on the role of the Liberian industry in the ongoing conflict and the possibility that the Security Council adds timber to the sanctions against Liberia.
Backed by UNAMSIL, rebels and the government of Sierra Leone launched last month a major operation to seize illegal conflict diamonds to help disarmament. But police said the ban had failed to stop the flow of diamonds.(Reuters)
The UN-imposed travel ban list for Liberian officials failed to include many of President Charles Taylor's most loyal followers. These junior ministers, directors, and many others who are without governmental positions continue to terrorize the Liberian populace. (Perspective)
Despite the mining ban, Sierra Leonean rebels and pro-government militias are continuing to mine diamonds from the eastern province of Kono. The Sierra Leonean government has disavowed responsibility, saying that enforcing the mining ban is the UNAMSIL's duty. (Reuters)
In light of recent attacks against civilians by pro-government militias, Human Rights Watch has urged the UN to quickly deploy more peacekeepers in Sierra Leone.
The UN announced that a mining ban has come into effect in Sierra Leone's eastern diamond region following an agreement between rebels and the government. The agreement is intended to pave the way for the disarmament of the Revolutionary United Front rebels and other militias, and the subsequent deployment of UN peacekeepers. (BBC)
UN officials announced that RUF fighters have begun disarming in Sierra Leone's diamond-rich Kono region. For the UN, the situation looks far more optimistic than a year ago, when these same rebels briefly took hundreds of UN peacekeepers hostage. (Reuters)
This editorial from a Liberian opposition newspaper endorses UN sanctions against Liberia, arguing that the UN should go even further in strengthening sanctions against Liberian President Charles Taylor and his government. (Perspective)
Liberian President Charles Taylor's request that the UN temporarily lift an arms embargo against him is "laughable," according to this editorial. The UN should not trust a leader who has consistently waged war against his own people. (Perspective)
The Nigerian government has argued that UN sanctions against Liberia are too stringent and that the international community should give Liberian President Charles Taylor more leeway to protect his country. (Perspective)
Liberian President Charles Taylor has appealed to the Security Council to lift the arms embargo against his country, so that Liberia can defend itself against attacks from armed groups from Sierra Leone and Guinea. (BBC)
The Perspective, investigating why France opposed sanctions on Liberian timber, tries to trace "the trail of the timber, the circle of influence and decision makers in Paris."
This editorial suggests that Liberian leader Charles Taylor is the biggest obstacle to peace in West Africa, but the UN must continue its tough stance with him.
(Perspective)
President Taylor of Liberia accuses the UK of helping keep alive the conflict in West Africa by training Sierra Leonean governmental troops.
(Reuters)
The RUF just released several hundred child soldiers. "This clearly demonstrates the commitment of the RUF to the total stoppage of this war," said Oluyemi Adeniji, the UN special envoy to Sierra Leone.
(New York Times)
The US has guaranteed support to Nigerian peacekeepers in UNAMSIL – a good excuse not to send US troops to Africa. Interestingly, the US also has oil interests in Nigeria.
(AllAfrica.com)
In response to Security Council Resolution 1343 imposing sanctions on Liberia for its support to the RUF, Bush issued an Executive Order prohibiting the importation of all Liberian rough diamonds into the US.
(Perspective)
Since the UN-led meeting in Abudja between RUF and the Sierra Leonean government, RUF no longer sees UNAMSIL as backing the government, and thus has been cooperating with the UN in the disarmament process. (Afrol News)
Government-backed Kamajors violated the ceasefire by attacking the RUF, reports UNAMSIL. Freetown promised it would be resolved.
(News24)
The RUF may be "breathing its last" suggests the BBC. With many rebels disarmed, can the RUF become a political force?
The UN is well aware that civil strife in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone could draw much of West Africa into cataclysmic regional war, but the Permanent Members of the Security Council are unwilling to get involved. (Economist
"Taylor was in complete control of the RUF until about two weeks ago. He decided everything the RUF did," revealed a RUF commander in the peace talks with Sierra Leone.
(Daily Telegraph)
The Sierra Leonean army and the RUF signed a ceasefire and agreed to start a demobilization program under the auspices of UNAMSIL. But Sierra Leone has not decided on the release of Foday Sankoh.
(Afrol News)
In a special session on West Africa, UN officials briefed the Security Council on the political and humanitarian challenges in the region. To face the situation in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, the UN needs to adopt an integrated regional approach and to cooperate with ECOWAS.
(IRIN)
UNAMSIL launched a program of arms destruction along with the National Commission on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. All fighting units in the country will de disarmed, except the army. The weapons will be recycled and transformed into productive tools.
(Afrol News)
The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas appeals to the UN Security Council to establish a legal framework to indict Taylor for war crimes and crimes against humanity, reports the Perspective.
During the first round of talks to revitalize the peace process, Sierra Leone officials and RUF leaders tackled the issues of freeing Foday Sankoh. This would challenge the credibility of the Special Court. The debate will be one of the main issues in the second round of talks mid-May. (Afrol News)
As the Security Council imposes sanctions on Liberian diamonds, a new investigation by Global Witness unveils the important role of wood in the conflict. The UK-based group urges the Security Council to expand the embargo to include timber.
Liberian officials reacted to the imposition of sanctions arguing they are "unjust and unfair". Meanwhile some Liberians applaud their entry into force, saying they are deserved – as long as they are targeted.
(Agence France Presse)
Sanctions on Liberia came into effect after the Security Council decided, in accordance with the Secretary General's report, that Taylor did not comply with the requirements of Resolution 1343.
(Panafrican News Agency)
The Sierra Leonean government and the RUF agreed to meet in May under the auspices of UNAMSIL in order to "work out a program for Disarmament, Demobilization and Rehabilitation".
(Panafrican News Agency)
In his first report on Liberia to the Security Council, Kofi Annan says the UN cannot completely verify Taylor's compliance to Resolution 1343. He suggests implementing ECOWAS' suggestion to deploy observers along the Liberian border. (Afrol News)
As sanctions against Liberia are looming, News24 reports that rebels can now support themselves within Sierra Leone without Liberia's "help".
The UN, ECOWAS, Sierra Leonean and RUF leaders are meeting in Abidjan to revitalize the Lomé peace accord from 1999.
(Panafrican News)
Guinea is opposed to the deployment of ECOWAS peacekeeping troops as long as their mandate is limited as an interposition force. The country, overwhelmed by refugee flows, requires a real intervention against RUF attacks from Liberia. (IPS)
The Spanish branch of Greenpeace urges the Security Council to pass a ban on Liberian timber. The campaign accuses China and France, principal importers of timber, of opposing action against "wood of war". (Perspective)
Clare Short, the British Secretary of State for International Development, holds the bureaucratic system of the DPKO for responsible for the failure of the peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone.
(Independent)
Sanctions on Liberia are likely to be implemented, but will spare timber exportation. The Perspective then suggests a regulated program for Liberian timber export.
"We are now ready to struggle politically, not militarily", says the RUF. And to do so, the RUF has named a peace commission. But will the Freetown government go along with the proposition?
(Washington Post)
Ecowas decided to establish a monitoring mechanism and to send a verification mission to investigate Liberia's compliance with UN Security Council conditions. (News24)
In this report, the International Crisis Group urges the international community to change its strategy on Sierra Leone. The report suggests that the UN stop discussions with the RUF except to achieve complete disarmament . It also urges decisive military action against the rebels.
West African leaders hold a summit in Abidjan to find a regional solution to the endless war in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. But Kabbah and Conte (leaders of Sierra Leone and Guinea) refuse to come because the notorious Charles Taylor is there.
(Reuters)
RUF leaders demonstrated to UN Deputy Secretary General, Louise Fréchette, their commitment to the peace process by dismantling three rebel checkpoints. (Panafrican News Agency)
For the first time, peacekeepers entered diamond mining areas. The RUF did not oppose the deployment. (Associated Press)
Thousands of Taylor's armed forces have been mobilized in the north to fight dissidents, which include those fighting for Sierra Leone's government against rebels linked to Taylor. Furthermore an army source says the arms embargo will not stop them. (Reuters)
The UN peacekeeping mission deployment in RUF-held areas has been delayed. UN mismanagement left the two forces just a few miles apart. (BBC)
The Sierra Leonean government seems optimistic for a resolution of the civil war soon. But UN and humanitarian sources are more skeptical. (Agence France Presse)
RUF may accept a political end to the war and deployment of UN peacekeepers in diamond-mining areas. But this would be contingent on stemming the loyalist attacks from the Guinean border.(Reuters)
The Security Council unanimously decided to increase the number of troops and to extend the mandate of UNAMSIL for six months. The resolution calls for the RUF to fulfill its engagement under the Lusaka agreement and to allow UN deployment in diamonds regions.(Reuters)
As Taylor calls for a peacekeeping force to verify the Liberian compliance with the resolution, Kofi Annan has set up a panel of experts to monitor the implementation of the measures required by the Security Council. (People's Daily)
The Association for a Clean Ostend denounces the role of the Belgian
airport in the international arms traffic in Angola, Sierra Leone and the
Region of the Great Lakes in Central Africa.
Taylor does not to want peace, says this editorial of the Perspective,
interpreting the closing of Liberian borders with Freetown and the expulsion
of Sierra Leonean and Guinean ambassadors as bellicose actions.
The Secretary General, in his ninth
report to the Security Council on Sierra Leone , calls for more troops
and further deployment of UNAMSIL.(afrol.com)
The Perspective wonders if the two-month delay of UN sanctions will
affect the credibility of ECOWAS since most of the ECOWAS countries are
"in debt" towards Taylor.
The ban on uncertified diamonds that Liberia announced the day before the
UN imposed sanctions, just came into effect. Will it be sufficient for the
Security Council ?(Agence France-Presse)
UN peacekeepers have moved into minor strategic territories under RUF control,
a test before further deployment into the diamond mining areas. (afrol.com)
Since ECOWAS intervention in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the UN and
ECOWAS have strengthened their cooperation on economic, social, political
and security issues affecting the sub-region.
Even though the Liberian government says the Security Council assessments
are wrong, Liberia will comply with the demands formulated in the resolution
imposing sanctions.(Associated Press)
The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution imposing sanctions
against Liberia. Criticism of UN sanctions has led to this recent resolution
having more precise criteria for implementation. (Reuters)
The Security Council is about to pass a resolution imposing sanctions on
Liberia. But the date of passage is uncertain since West African countries
want two more months to give a chance to Taylor to fulfill the requirements.
(Reuters)
In a statement, the Sierra Leonean government asked the Security Council
to recognize the seriousness of the situation and to impose immediate sanctions
against Taylor. (Perspective)
Liberian students call for the full publication of the UN Expert Panel report
on Sierra Leone, accusing the government of misinformation about the effects
of the threatening sanctions for the population. (Perspective)
The inability of peacekeepers to deploy is worrying due to the looming threat
of further violence. ( International Herald Tribune)
The international conflict diamonds meeting ends with the introduction of
identification marks on Angolan and Sierra Leonean diamonds. (Panafrican
News Agency)
The Perspective criticizes the Security Council's decision to delay
sanctions against Taylor.
The Security Council accepted to delay the diamond and travel ban for two
months to give a last chance to African countries to negotiate with Taylor.
It symbolically re-imposed the already existing arms-embargo. (BBC)
After a meeting between RUF and UNAMSIL, rebels returned equipment stolen
last May, when they took some 500 peacekeepers hostage. Is it a sign toward
peace dialogue? (Reuters)
Because of the continuing civil war, Sierra Leone has postponed elections
for six months to avoid chaos. (Panafrican News Agency)
"We are not against sanctions. We are for a very efficient implementation
of the sanctions when Liberia fails to implement [its] commitments", argues
ECOWAS, calling the Security Council for a delay in the imposition of sanctions.
(BBC)
The Liberia Watch for Human Rights calls for Taylor's resignation and for
the dissolution of the Liberian legislature in order to save the country
from sanctions. (Panafrican News Agency)
Liberia counts on the division among permanent members of the Security Council
to escape sanctions.(The Perspective)
Arguing that sanctions are "punitive and negative", France will support
sanctions against Liberia conditionally, only if they exclude the timber
and logging industry. Is it something to do with the fact that France is
one of the major importers of Liberian timber? (Perspective)
Yet again the Security Council is about to adopt a new arms embargo on Liberia,
although the Liberian foreign minister claims that his country was the target
of "unsubstantiated allegations of diamond smuggling and gun running." (Rappaport
Trade Wire)
Sierra Leoneans perceive the attitude of UN peacekeepers as arrogant. UNAMSIL
officials reject the criticisms even if they understand the locals' point
of view.(Agence France Press)
Gambia and Burkina Faso disapprove of the UN decision to impose sanctions
on Liberia and criticize the blood diamonds report issued by the Security
Council… in which they are cited. (BBC)
Liberia ends their ban on visas for US officials in order to improve bilateral
relations with the new Bush administration. Of course, this has nothing
to do with the Liberian effort to prevent the imposition of new UN sanctions!
(Associated Press)
In this document addressed to the Security Council, Global Witness suggests
the immediate imposition of a total embargo on Liberian timber, which, it
says, plays an important role in Taylor's revenues, even more than the diamond
trade. (IRIN)
After a delay caused by infighting among the permanent members of the Security
Council, a draft resolution is finally introduced in the Council calling
for a global embargo on Liberia's diamonds and timber, as well as flight
and travel bans. (Reuters)
"Never before in our history has a President wanted so much, stolen so much
in so short a period," complains an opposition legislator after the Liberian
president, Charles Taylor, introduced an act giving him sole power in decisions
regarding natural resources, including, of course, diamonds. (The Perspective)
The Liberian Foreign Ministry announces that Liberia will no longer support
the RUF, calling for the rebels to disarm. But is this just another empty
promise? Or has the threat of UN sanctions actually worked? (Reuters)
The commander of UNAMSIL meets face to face with the leader of the RUF,
who promises to open all roads leading to rebel-held areas. This would allow
humanitarian agencies, escorted by UNAMSIL, to enter areas held by the RUF.
(IRIN)
A senior officer in the UK military says that Britain will not leave Sierra
Leone until "the war is either won or resolved on favorable terms." (BBC)
2000
UN Demands End to Aid for Rebels
Destabilizing Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia Borders (December 21, 2000)
The Security Council backs a plan by ECOWAS to deploy troops along the borders
of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, and demands that Liberia and others
stop arming the rebels who are destabilizing those borders. (Associated
Press)
Liberian Government Reaction
To UN Diamond Report (December 21, 2000)
Monrovia responds to accusations of involvement in the Sierra Leone war,
and denounces the Security Council's sanctions proposal. (Allafrica.com)
Sierra Leone Report Blocked
in Security Council (December 20, 2000)
The Ukraine, apparently dismayed about the mention of Ukrainian nationals
in the Sierra Leone diamond report, is delaying the report's formal consideration
by the Security Council. This means no sanctions against Liberia, for now.
(Inter Press Service)
UN Confirms Liberia's
Role in Smuggling of Diamonds (December 20, 2000)
A UN report on conflict diamonds presents "unequivocal and overwhelming
evidence that Liberia has been actively supporting the RUF at all levels,"
and recommends that the Security Council impose a diamond embargo on Liberia.
(New York Times)
UN Puzzled by Rebel Stance on
Sierra Leone Peacekeeping (December 15, 2000)
More mixed messages in Sierra Leone. UNAMSIL says that its recent conversations
with the RUF contradict the rebel group's list of new demands. But a diplomatic
source says that nonetheless, UNAMSIL is being careful. (Reuters)
RUF Slams New Agreement (December
14, 2000)
The RUF say that they will not adhere to November's ceasefire agreement
unless new demands are met, including the release of Foday Sankoh. Yet again,
UNAMSIL will be kept from moving into rebel territory. Meanwhile, RUF raids
continue in neighbouring Guinea. (The Perspective)
A Separate Peacekeeping (December
10, 2000)
The Washington Post takes a look at the differences of opinion between
the UK and UN forces in Sierra Leone. UNAMSIL is looking for a negotiated
settlement in Sierra Leone, but the UK thinks that the civil war will only
end through the military defeat or unconditional disarmament of the RUF.
Annan Assesses Sierra Leone's
UN Force (December 4, 2000)
The Secretary General, in Sierra Leone, says that the UN will do everything
it can to bring peace to the troubled country. At the same time, Human Rights
Watch reports that the RUF's terror campaign has spread to Guinea. (Associated
Press)
Burkina Faso Co-Operates
on Arms (December 3, 2000)
Accused of breaking the arms embargo against rebels in Sierra Leone and
Angola by trading arms for diamonds, Burkina Faso says that it will allow
a UN-supervised institution to monitor its arms imports. (BBC)
Sierra Leone Rebels Say Committed
to Peace (December 2, 2000)
UNAMSIL peacekeepers have met with the RUF. But while the rebels reiterated
their commitment to let UN troops into RUF-held territory, a suspicious
UNAMSIL demanded "concrete signs of compliance with the ceasefire agreement."
(Reuters)
UN Stalling Two Weeks After
Sierra Leone Ceasefire (November 25, 2000)
Though a ceasefire is in place, UN peacekeepers are standing still. This
is because UNAMSIL, unwilling to see its troops captured again, is wary
about moving into rebel-held areas without being sure of their safety. (Agence
France Presse)
Sierra Leone Alarmed Over Peacekeepers'
Exit (November 21, 2000)
Even if UNAMSIL troop numbers are maintained, the upcoming withdrawal of
Indian and Jordanian peacekeepers from Sierra Leone is anything but encouraging
for an already devastated country. (New York Times)
UK Defends Military Tactics
(November 16, 2000)
UNAMSIL's commander says that the UK's recent show of military strength
was too aggressive, and that if Britain really wants to help Sierra Leone,
they should join UNAMSIL. The British think differently. (BBC)
Security Council Welcomes Ceasefire
Between Sierra Leone and RUF Rebels (November 14, 2000)
With "guarded optimism", the Security Council looks to the ceasefire as
"the first step" on the path back to a peace process. UNAMSIL will supervise
the ceasefire, and report any violations to the UN, ECOWAS and the Sierra
Leone government. (UN News)
RUF Rebels Jubilate Over Outcome
of Abuja Talks (November 14, 2000)
Sierra Leone's Concord Times reports that RUF fighters enthusiastically
welcomed the recently signed ceasefire, an indication that the rebels have
interpreted the ceasefire as a chance to consolidate their positions, which
they had feared would come under attack by the government and UNAMSIL.
Britain Doubles Sierra Leone
Force, Freetown Cautious Over Ceasefire (November 13, 2000)
RUF-government talks result in a ceasefire, and the RUF promises to demobilize,
but will it happen? Meanwhile, five hundred more UK troops arrive in Sierra
Leone to "back up" UN peacekeepers. (Guardian)
Sierra Leone Peace Talks Resume
(November 9, 2000)
UN and ECOWAS representatives are attending the RUF/government talks in
Nigeria. These are the first high-level talks since fighting resumed, and
with their main patron, Charles Taylor of Liberia, feeling isolated, the
rebels may be prepared to make concessions. (BBC)
Britain Plans Troop Positioning
(October 30, 2000)
The UK announces an increase in British troops in Sierra Leone. Meanwhile,
RUF forces fight in growing numbers in neighboring Guinea. (IRIN)
In New Blow to UN Force, Jordanian
Peacekeepers to Quit Sierra Leone (October 25, 2000)
Just when things were looking up for UNAMSIL, Jordan announces that their
contingent of peacekeepers will leave by the end of the year. (Agence
France Presse)
Liberian President Urges UN
to Move into Rebel-Held Areas in Sierra Leone (October 17, 2000)
The Council reacted skeptically to Charles Taylor's proposal for peacekeepers
to be stationed in diamond-producing areas. The UK Ambassador compared Taylor's
suggestion to "the judgment of a poacher that if he becomes a gamekeeper
rather than a poacher, he might do better." (New York Times)
Britain Builds up Sierra Leone
Force (October 11, 2000)
An increase of troops in Sierra Leone will remain under British control,
and not form part of the UN mission - Annan is trying to round up support
to beef up UNAMSIL. (Guardian, UK)
SC Delegation Heads for Sierra
Leone (October 9, 2000)
The 11 member delegation will visit Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mali, Nigeria
and Liberia for meetings with top officials. They will also meet with ECOWAS.
(UN News)
Diamond Exports to Resume
Next Week: Sierra Leone Minister (October 4, 2000)
Exports of diamonds from Sierra Leone could resume next week following the
introduction of certificates guaranteeing the origin of the gems. (Agence
France-Presse)
SC Mission to Visit Sierra
Leone in October (September 25, 2000)
The mission visiting 7-14 October, will be "considering the regional
dimensions" of the crisis as well as assessing the need for creating
a special court for Sierra Leone.
Indian Troops to Leave Sierra
Leone (September 21, 2000)
Quite a blow for the future of UNAMSIL - India presents the " the decision
as a routine rotation". Jordan is also getting cold feet, indicating
that it may withdraw too unless a NATO state joins in. (BBC Online)
UN Council Extends
Sierra Leone Troops (September 20, 2000)
The mandate of the largest PKO (13,000 troops) has been extended until 31
December 2000. As usual, the US "has reservations". (Reuters)
Nightmares
of Nigeria's "Peacekeeping" Unfold (September 11, 2000)
This in depth perspective of the peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone analyzes
Nigerian involvement in Africa in the light of the alleged accusations against
Nigerian troops in UNAMSIL. (The Perspective (Smyrna, Georgia))
Annan Meets With West Africans
Over Sierra Leone Crisis (September 12, 2000)
Mr. Annan sought help from ECOWAS in defusing tensions between two of their
members, Guinea and Liberia. Instability and conclict are arising with refugees
fleeing into these states from Sierra Leone. (New York Times)
Army 'Trained Sierra Leone Criminal'
(September 10, 2000)
Is the UK training Sierra Leonean rebels? In one case it seems so. Officials
have stated "With regards to this individual, obviously we didn't know about
her, we have now got the information and will deal with it appropriately."
(BBC News)
Nigeria: Sack UN force Commander
(September 10, 2000)
The Nigerian military has demanded the dismissal of the Indian commander
of UN forces after his alleged allegations against Nigerian UN officers.
(BBC News)
Internal Disputes Mar UN Mission
(September 10, 2000)
Nigerian officers have been alleged by Maj. Gen. Vijay K. Jetley, the Indian
commander of the 13,000 strong UNAMSIL force, to be undermining the Mission
in Sierra Leone. He also claims that the officers had secret contacts with
the main Sierra Leone rebel group, the Revolutionary United Front. (Washington
Post)
Largest UN Force but Still No
Peace (September 7, 2000)
Despite 13, 000 troops, the UNAMSIL force in Sierra Leone may be increased
as peace is still absent. Tension is caused by the fact that the British
are not part of the UN force and don't want to be. Some UN officials resent
the fact that Britain is running a separate operation. (BBC World News)
May - August 2000
Netherlands Wants Facts From Taylor
(August 30, 2000)
A UN Dutch delegation, on a visit to Liberia, is trying to shed some light
on President Taylor's shady business in Sierra Leone. Acknowledging his ties
to the RUF, he stopped short, however, of making known his level of influence
on the rebels. (News (Monrovia))
Annan Recommends Extending, Reinforcing UN Mission in Sierra Leone (August 28, 2000)
Trying to capitalize on the UN's recent success in Sierra Leone, Secretary General
Kofi Annan has suggested "a boost in the UN operation's capacity." This will include extending of the mandate for six months as well as increasing the military presence to 20, 500. (UN News)
Sierra Leone Diamond Certification
Wins UN Approval (August 9, 2000)
A certification program, where certificates of origin would be numbered on
forgery-proof security paper, was approved by the Security Council committee
monitoring sanctions in the hope of bringing legitimate money in to the Sierra
Leonean government. A matching numbered label on the sealed parcel of rough
diamonds, with a warning that any tampering is a violation of the Security
Council resolution, must also be returned by the recipient. (Associated
Press)
G.I.'s to Be Sent to Train Africans for Sierra Leone (August 9, 2000)
An about change by the US, after an "angry exchange" with the UK government and even criticism from Congress. Previously trying to charge exorbitant rates for the use of Pentagon aircraft for the peacekeeping mission, the US has now decided to train and equip Nigerian battalions to be dispatched to Sierra Leone. (New York Times)
White House Backs Request by Annan (August 5, 2000)
The Clinton administration has begun consultations with the US Congress on beefing up the mission in Sierra Leone. Yet many UN officials remain skeptical of how the US Ambassador to the UN can cajole the notoriously reluctant US Congress to move along with this plan. (Washington Post )
Sierra Leone: UN Will Respond to Attacks (August 4, 2000)
The UN Security Council sends a warning to the rebels in Sierra Leone. The newly adopted resolution calls on the UN peacekeepers to respond "robustly" to any hostile actions or threat of force in Sierra Leone. (United Press International)
UN Chief Calls Sierra Leone 'Dangerous and Volatile' (August 2, 2000)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan publicly expresses his concern over the peacekeeping situation in Sierra Leone. He paints a grim picture of the present state of the country but is in favor of beefing up the UN mission in Sierra Leone. (Associated Press)
UN Tries to Go to Root of Conflict in Sierra Leone (August 1, 2000)
The UN Security Council Sanction Committee's public hearing on the Sierra Leonean diamond trade is a first step. Further questions regarding the transaction of arms and diamonds need to be asked to get at the heart of the matter.(Xinhua News Agency)
Two African Nations Said to Break UN Diamond Embargo (August 1, 2000)
"Taylor is Milosevic in Africa with diamonds," says the US Ambassador to the UN. At the UN Security Council hearing on "conflict diamonds," the US and the UK named and shamed Liberia and Burkina Faso's leaders for profiting from the "conflict diamonds" in Sierra Leone. (New York Times)
Liberia Denies Diamond Trafficking in Sierra Leone (August 1, 2000)
Although denying the Liberian government's involvement with "conflict diamonds," the Liberian Foreign Minister admitted that "small poor countries just do not have the capacity to tackle the complex syndicates of illegal [diamond] trade on their own." (Agence France Presse)
US Warns Liberian Leader Not to Aid Sierra Leone Rebels (July 30, 2000)
Overwhelming evidence links Liberian President Charles Taylor with the Sierra Leonean rebels, says the US undersecretary of state. The US threatened the possibility of a bilateral and UN sanctions against Liberia if Taylor does not clean up his act. (Washington Post)
US Urges War Crimes Court for Sierra Leone (July 28, 2000)
In a draft resolution offered by Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, the US asked the Security Council to establish a special court to try Sierra Leonean rebel
leader Foday Sankoh and others accused of atrocities. (Washington Post)
'UN Mandate Change in Sierra Leone Not Needed' (July 26, 2000)
General Jetley, the UN peacekeeping force commander in Sierra Leone, believes it is sufficient to act under the auspices of the current mandate. Rather than adding muscle, it is more important to add to the numbers of peacekeepers, says Jetely.
(Asia Intelligence Wire / The Hindu )
EU Proposes Ban on Sierra Leone 'Conflict Diamonds' (July 26, 2000)
Following the UN and the World Diamond Congress, the European Union seeks to join the united front against "conflict diamonds." (CNN/ Reuters)
Britain Calls for Robust UN Mandate in Sierra Leone (July 25, 2000)
"Decisiveness" of UN peacekeepers is a key point in the draft resolution presented by the UK. Yet sending 3,000 additional peacekeepers will be conditional until the UN can present a clear and justified purpose.(Reuters)
UN Hearing Set on Illicit Diamonds from Sierra Leone (July 25, 2000)
Ambassador Chowdhury of Bangladesh, the chairman of the UN Sierra Leone sanctions committee, has called for a public hearing on "conflict diamonds." (Xinhua News Agency)
Annan Justifies UN's "Preemptive Strike" Against Sierra Leone Militia (July 25, 2000)
The UN Secretary General gets tough on the Sierra Leonean rebels as he warned that rebels plotting attacks on the UN peacekeepers would have to pay the price.(
Agence France Presse)
UN Attack Prompts Peace Call from Rebel Leader (July 19, 2000)
Has the UN rescue mission in Sierra Leone bent the will of the rebels? The deputy leader of the rebels offered talks for peace. Yet the UN is cautious as the order most likely came from Liberian President Charles Taylor, the mastermind behind the rebels. (Independent)
UN Praises Sierra Leone Rescue (July 18, 2000)
There are still massive amounts to do in Sierra Leone, yet the rescue mission showed that "the UN is learning how to change, and is getting the right support for what it wants to do." (Associated Press)
Liberia;
"I'll Keep Them Busy in Sierra Leone" Says Charles Taylor(July 5, 2000)
"War in Sierra Leone is war in Liberia." Liberian President Charles Taylor insists on adopting the Liberian solution, that is Foday Sankoh for president, to end the war in Sierra Leone. (The Perspective / Africa News )
Briefing By US Envoy to the UN Richard Holbrooke on Africa (June 30, 2000)
At a briefing with African journalists, the US Ambassador to the UN explained that
Africa is a top priority for the US government. He denied the US's alleged "double" standard towards Africa, but admitted that the US is "partly to blame" for the difficulties in UN peacekeeping. (UN Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN)/ Africa News )
Sierra Leone: Human Rights Watch Letter to UN Security Council (June 20, 2000)
This letter recommends the necessity for a stronger UN peacekeeping mandate, diamond embargo, and an UN-ordered inquiry to investigate the link between diamonds and weapons trade in Sierra Leone. (Human Rights Watch)
Demoralized Sierra Leone Peacekeepers 'Not Being Paid' (June 18, 2000)
The Ottawa Citizen reports that peacekeeping troops in Sierra Leone are surrendering their weapons with little or no resistance due to the lack of peacekeeping funds. ''It is not exactly a motivating force if troops whose lives may be in danger are not being paid,'' reported a UN official.(The Ottawa Citizen)
Liberia Reportedly Arming Guerrillas (June 18, 2000)
This Washington Post article explains some of the regional history behind the current Sierra Leone conflict, including the importance of personal connections between the RUF and the presidents of Liberia and Burkina Faso.
Sierra Leone Seeks Aid on Tribunal (June 15, 2000)
Granted amnesty by the Lomé accord, Sierra Leonean rebel leader Foday Sankoh continued his acts of atrocity. It is now possible that he will face persecution as the Sierra Leonean President asked the United Nations to help establish a war crimes tribunal to try Sankoh and his followers. (Washington Post)
Sierra Leone IDP Update: Large Scale Movements Underway (June 12, 2000)
In order to stop the atrocities committed by the Revolutionary United Front rebels in Sierra Leone, Human Rights Watch called on the UN Security Council to include protection of civilians in the UNAMSIL mandate and the establishment of a criminal tribunal to investigate and punish the rebels. (Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)
Jewels Boycott Would Hit Innocent, Not Warlords (June 7, 2000)
As the campaign against Africa's "conflict diamonds" intensifies, the Guardian reports that only 4% of diamonds traded in the world are related to the civil wars in Africa. (The Guardian (London))
Unreliable Allies (May 31, 2000)
ECOWAS, in cooperation with the UN, will send troops to take back the rebel-controlled diamond mines in Sierra Leone. Liberia will join the ECOWAS force, but it is Liberia that has profited significantly from the illicit diamond trade of Sierra Leonean rebels. (Stratfor.com)
Neglected Arms Embargo on Sierra Leone Rebels:
Briefing Paper (May 15, 2000)
Human Rights Watch points out that the underground trade of diamonds for weapons hindered the efforts of the UN Security Council and ECOMOG to enforce an arms embargo against the Sierra Leonean rebels. (Link to the Press Release at Human Rights Watch)
Prepared Testimony of Howard F. Jeter Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for
African Affairs
Before the House International Relations Committee Subcommittee on Africa
Subject - Sierra Leone & Conflict Diamonds (May 9, 2000)
This testimony provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict-fueling illicit diamond trade in Africa, and points out the necessity for a UN experts panel to investigate the situation. Amb. Fowler of Canada directs such a panel for Angola, and the UN Security Council considers establishing a similar panel for the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Federal News Service, Inc)
Sierra Leone: Cutting the Link Between Diamonds and Guns (May 31, 2000)
Amnesty International urged cooperation of governments, the Diamond High Council and other parties involved to take action in ceasing the trade of diamonds mined in the rebel controlled areas in Sierra Leone. Despite the UN Security Council's arms embargo, supplies of military equipments continue to reach the rebels.(Amnesty International)
UN Commander Explains Hostage
Taking (May 29, 2000)
Surprisingly, the UN Commander taken hostage by the Sierra Leonean rebels
revealed that most rebels were "apologetic" for their actions. (Panafrican
News Agency)
Sierra Leone Rebels Said to
Release Remaining U.N. Hostages (May 29, 2000)
UN officials believe that all the UN peacekeepers taken hostage in Sierra
Leone have been released. This sigh of relief however, is overshadowed by
the fact that UN peacekeepers are still surrounded by rebels and the still
existent questions over how to prosecute the rebel leader Sankoh.(Associated
Press )
UN Secretary
General Notes Need to Learn from Recent Difficulties (May 24, 2000)
In the report
to the UN Security Council, the Secretary General highlighted some of
the problems encountered in Sierra Leone - such as communication problems,
and lack of troop equipment. These issues must be considered for the success
of future peacekeeping operations.( UN Integrated Regional Information
Network (IRIN))
Peacekeeping Efforts Require
Qualified Troops Under UN (May 25, 2000)
For the peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, African leaders are considering
whether to send their soldiers under the command of the UN or the independent
force ECOMOG. Some argue that it is better to deploy troops under the UN
command with appropriate equipment and military training. (United States
Committee on Refugees)
What
to do Next? (May 20, 2000)
Although rebel leader Foday Sankoh is captured and British troops secured
Freetown, the Sierra Leonean government faces an uphill struggle to rebuild
the broken society. The UN, Britain, the US, and Sierra Leone and other
parties involved find it difficult to formulate a single coordinated policy
in Sierra Leone. (Economist)
Can Clinton Administration "Africa
Guru", Rev. Jackson, Help (May 18, 2000)
President Clinton sent special African envoy Reverend Jesse Jackson to solve
the crisis in Sierra Leone. One must wonder Rev. Jackson's motives. He is
linked with the Liberian President, who allegedly supports the rebels in
Sierra Leone. (The Perspective
Sankoh
a Hot Potato in Government Hands (May 18, 2000)
Rebel leader Foday Sankoh has been placed under custody by the Sierra Leonean
government. This means that the UN now faces a dilemma as they had hoped
to negotiate with Sankoh to release the 350 UN peacekeepers still hostage
under his rebel forces. Other speculations suggest that the rebel fighters
may no longer be loyal to Sankoh's orders. (Time)
Sierra Leone Papers Detail
Rebel's Guilt (May 15, 2000)
The Sierra Leonean Attorney General reveals documents describing the crimes
and atrocities of rebel leader Foday Sankoh and his Revolutionary United
Front. As Sankoh continues to dodge the Lomé peace accord, an increasing
number of Sierra Leoneans are expressing anger and distrust toward him.
(Christian Science Monitor )
UN Admits to Missteps in Sierra
Leone (May 9, 2000)
The UN has admitted to criticisms of its peacekeeping operation in Sierra
Leone including problems with communications, while others point to the
reluctance of UN troops to use force. Escalating violence by the rebel Revolutionary
United Front has placed the entire UN operation in jeopardy. (Associated
Press)
Annan Calls For Rapid Reaction
Force For Sierra Leone (May 9, 2000)
As attacks by the rebel group Revolutionary United Front continue and both
the UN and various nations rush to evacuate staff and citizens, Kofi Annan
has called for a force to stabilize the crisis in Sierra Leone. (Panafrican
News Agency)
Sierra Leone Crisis Eases,
UN Declares (May 8, 2000)
In an effort to dispel concerns that Sierra Leone was again on the brink
of civil war, UN officials stated that meetings with rebel leaders had prevented
an impending crisis. Officials also reversed an earlier announcement that
rebels were on the verge of attacking the capital of Freetown. (Washington
Post)
January - April 2000
Sierra Leone Still Far From
Peace (April 18, 2000)
An Associated Press article highlights the incredible individual
suffering of the people of Sierra Leone and the long distance the country
still is from stability.
A War Against Women (April 11,
2000)
While statistics are not yet available, thousands of women have been systematically
abducted and raped by insurgent forces and other armed gangs during the
nation's eight-year civil war. (Washington Post)
UN Attacked in Sierra Leone
(April 11, 2000)
The UN force in Sierra Leone came under attack by unknown assailants and
returned fire, underscoring the fragility of the peace agreement and the
continuing situation of danger in the country. (BBC Online)
Diamond Economy
Under Threat (April 10, 2000)
In its campaign against the diamond industry, Global Witness, a UK-based
NGO, calls for consumer action against the industry as a result of the on-going
civil wars in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone
which are financed from diamond sales. (Mmegi/The Reporter , Gaborone)
Children Forced to Kill (April
8, 2000)
With the ongoing disarmament of rebel soldiers at UN-sponsored demobilization
camps, harrowing stories are surfacing regarding the issue of child combatants.
(Washington Post)
Africa's Gems: Warfare's Best Friend
(April 6, 2000)
An in depth report from the New York Times clearly tracing the relationship
between ongoing conflicts in Africa and the current prosperity of the diamond
industry.
An Uneasy Peace in Sierra Leone
Poses Test for UN Africa Policy (April 5, 2000)
With much of the territory still held by rebel groups which have only formally
gone into the re-unified state, the work of the UN contingent, which involves
bases being set up behind enemy lines, is proving challenging, yet the positive
impact of the peace is quite visible. (New York Times)
Continued Rebel Attacks Inspire
New Policy (March 20 - 23, 2000)
While the Committee for Human Rights and Justice (CHRJ) challenges the amnesty
granted by the Lome agreement in the wake of new atrocities, the government
announced that rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) may be integrated
into the new army. Five articles in The Progress (Freetown) and Concord
Times (Freetown) explore the continuing conflict.
Peacekeepers Deployed on Both
Sides of the Divide (March 21, 2000)
Two articles discuss progress in deployment of peacekeepers as Chaiman Sankoh
recognizes UNAMSIL as a legitimate neutral force in Sierra Leone, and Indian
peacekeepers are allowed into the rebel-held town of Kailahun. (Concord
Times, Freetown)
Sierra Leone Peace Mission to
Double in Size (February 7, 2000)
The Security Council has authorized an increase in UN troops in Sierra Leone
to 11,100, double the current troop strength. The UN force, which replaces
the Nigerian-led ECOMOG force, aims at securing the fragile Lome peace agreement
signed between the Sierra Leone government and RUF rebels. (InterPress
Service)
Report on Disarmament, Demobilisation
and Reintegration (January 31, 2000)
UN Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) report
on the challenges and delays in the implementation of the July 7, 1999 Lome
peace agreement.
Annan Proposes 11,000 Peacekeepers
for Sierra Leone (January 13, 2000)
The Secretary General asks the Security Council to mandate a
force that would take over Ecomog's functions. However, Annan also expressed
that the government of Sierra Leone needs to build its capacities to maintain
peace independently.
The
Heart of the Matter : Sierra Leone Diamonds and Human Security (January,
2000)
This is the in depth report behind the renewed accusations that
diamonds are fueling the conflict in Sierra Leone. (Partnership Africa
Canada)
Sierra Leone: Diamonds Fuelled
Conflict, Report Says (January 13, 2000)
"Diamonds have fuelled Sierra Leone's armed conflict and its
highly criminalised war economy, say the authors of a new study whose recommendations
include the long-term deployment of UN peacekeepers in the country's main
diamond-bearing areas."(UN News Service)
Sierra Leone Rebels Block UN
Troops (January 5, 2000)
The BBC News reports resistance encountered by UN peace
keeping forces.
1999
Fragile
Peace for Sierra Leone (December 1999)
"The 7 July accord signed in Lome (Togo) between the Sierra
Leone authorities and the Revolutionary United Front means that the atrocities
of the civil war will go unpunished. The RUF has been allocated four government
posts but the UN has called for action against the appalling human rights
violations. Meanwhile the agreement remains shrouded in uncertainty." (Le
Monde diplomatique)
Civil War Turns a Nation's
Youth into Generation of the Brutalised (December 21, 1999)
The Independent (London) profiles a family that has been
victimized by Sierra Leone's war. Part of their series of articles called
"Children of War."
UN Mission Deploying in Sierra
Leone at Fast Pace (December 17, 1999)
Oluyemi Adeniji, the Special Representative of the Secretary
General in Sierra Leone defends the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UMAMSIL).
(UN Newswire)
Sierra Leone's Uncertain Path
to Peace (December 11-15, 1999)
An article from The Economist about the lack of political
stability and military resources of Sierra Leone's government to enforce
the July peace agreement.
Sierra Leone: Peacekeepers
Threaten Fragile Peace (December 9, 1999)
InterPress Service reports on problems with the Nigerian-led
regional force ECOMOG and United Nations peace-keeping troops.
Sierra
Leone Rebel Abuses Spreading (December 6, 1999)
Human Rights Watch reports that rebel attacks against civilians
are spreading to the northern parts of Sierra Leone and that government
troops and ECOMOG, the West African peacekeeping forces, have been unwilling
to intervene.
First UN peacekeepers in Sierra
Leone (November 29, 1999)
BBC News' report about dispatching forces attempting to
safeguard the peace agreement in Sierra Leone. "The UN talks optimistically
about disarming, but the disarmament programme is going painfully slowly...."
UN To Send 6,000 Personnel
To Sierra Leone (October 23, 1999)
"The UN Security Council has authorized the immediate settting
up of a UN mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) with a military component of
6,000 personnel, among them 260 military observers." (Panafrican News
Agency)
Annan Wants a 'Robust Force'
for Sierra Leone (September 28, 1999)
A Washington Post article about Secretary General's recommendation
to establish a 6,000-strong UN peacekeeping force the July accord aimed
at ending 8 years of civil war in Sierra Leone.
Council
Expands UN Role; More Military Personnel to Join Mission. (August 20, 1999)
Authorizing the provisional expansion of the UN Observer Mission
in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL), Security Council urged international organizations
for the development of Sierra Leone. (UN Press Release SC/6714)
Sierra Leone Hostage Crisis
Ends (August 10, 1999)
"The hostage crisis in Sierra Leone has come to a peaceful end
after rebels released some 200 women and children."(BBC Online)
Soldiers Kidnap African Observers
(August 5, 1999)
Associated Press article reporting from Sierra Leone
that 13 UN observers, and an unknown number of journalists and ECOMOG staff
were kidnapped by former junta soldiers demanding humanitarian assistance.
UN: Huge Need for Food Aid
in Sierra Leone (August 3, 1999)
Associated Press article on the need for food in the
rebel occupied areas of Sierra Leone and the attempts of UN relief agencies
to provide assistance.
Sierra Leone's Envoy Worries
Over Footdragging by RUF (August 3, 1999)
Panafrican News Agency article about the view of Sierra
Leone's ambassador to the UN, Foday Dabor, who says that footdragging by
the Revolutionary United Front rebels would jeorpadise the peace agreement.
UN Chief Calls for Increased
Presence to Ensure Sierra Leone Peace (August 2, 1999)
Nando Media article on UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's
call for an expanded UN military observer mission and more human rights
monitors to support the peace agreement in Sierra Leone.
Africa: The Horror... (August 1, 1999)
Speech by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan describes the atrocities
he witnessed in Sierra Leone, and the unfortunate compromises made in their
recent peace agreement.
Is It Peace at Last for the
People of Sierra Leone? (July 26, 1999)
All Africa News Agency article on the question: "Is it peace
at last for the people of Sierra Leone or is it merely a semblance of peace?"
Amnesty in Sierra Leone Opposed by
Rights Group (July 26, 1999)
New York Times article on a human rights organizations' campaign
against the blanket amnesty granted in Sierra Leone under a UN peace agreement.
War-Weary,
Peace-Wary (July 18, 1999)
Insightful article from the Washington Post discussing the question
of what the peace agreement in Sierra Leone means for the government, rebels,
and the people.
Sierra Leone Rebels Hand Over 200
Children, State Radio Reports (July 17, 1999)
Rebels from the Revolutionary United Front handed over more than 200 abducted
children to UNICEF which estimates that the rebels now have freed about
1000 of the 3000 held children. (Reuters)
Pieces of Peace in Africa (July 11,
1999)
Washington Post article on recent peace agreements in Africa and
the importance of multilateral peacekeeping institutions in the region while
nations rebuild legitimate governments and face residual internal conflict.
UN Gives Mixed Verdict on Amnesty
(July 9, 1999)
InterPress Service article on the UN's "effort to walk the tightrope"
between welcoming the peace deal in Sierra Leone and rejecting amnesty for
RUF rebels after years of atrocities against civilians.
Annan Must Reject Amnesty for Sierra
Leone Crimes (July 7, 1999)
Human Rights Watch has urged the UN to reject any peace agreement in Sierra
Leone that does not bring RUF rebels to justice for the atrocities they
committed. Inhumane abuses are continuing despite the cease-fire agreement,
Human Rights Watch said.
Sierra Leone Reaches Peace Deal (July
7, 1999)
The government of Sierra Leone and RUF rebels have reached an agreement
under which the two sides will share power. The rebels agreed to back down
from a number of demands which were likely to derail the peace effort. (Associated
Press / New York Times)
Sierra Leone Accord to Be Signed this
Weekend (June 30, 1999)
After weeks of negotiations in Togo, the government of Sierra Leone and
the RUF rebel group have agreed on a power-sharing arrangement that would
end nearly nine years of civil war. (Washington Post / Reuters)
Sierra Leone Abuses Ignored (June
24, 1999)
BBC Online article about a comprehensive report by Human Rights Watch
on the situation in Sierra Leone. Human Rights Watch criticizes the international
community for not paying more attention to the atrocities plaguing Sierra
Leone. Full Human Rights Watch report also included.
Warring Sierra Leone Factions Said
Close to Accord (June 16, 1999)
The government of Sierra Leone and rebels of the Revolutionary United Front
(RUF) are close to reaching an agreement under which the rebels would be
integrated into Sierra Leone's political system. (Nando Media/Associated
Press)
Annan Reports Upsurge Of Atrocities
in Sierra Leone (June 9, 1999)
According to this article from the Panafrican News Agency, the Secretary-General's
report cites "eyewitness accounts showing that the rebels in Sierra Leone
were carrying out summary executions, mutilations, limb amputations, abductions,
sexual abuse and large scale destruction of property."
UN Envoy Calls For The Release of
POW (May 25, 1999)
The head of the UNOMSIL, Mr. Francis Okello has called for the release of
all prisoners of war held by the various warring factions.
Cease-fire Violations (May 24, 1999)
The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and ECOMOG, the West African peacekeeping
force that backs Sierra Leone's government, Monday accused each other of
breaking a cease-fire just hours after it entered into effect.
Sierra Leone Fact Sheet (May 20, 1999)
The following document was released by the U.S.
Agency For International Development Bureau For Humanitarian Response (BHR)
& Office Of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).
UN Military Assessment Mission Due
In Sierra Leone (May 20, 1999)
In anticipation of a final peace agreement in Sierra Leone, the Secretary-General,
Kofi Annan, has announced his intention to send a military assessment team
to the country to draw up plans for an expanded UN presence.
U.N. Seeks Sierra Leone Peace Talks
(May 15, 1999)
The 15 members of the council urged both sides to stop fighting during peace
talks and urged countries to abide by a U.N. arms embargo.
Sierra Leone Rebel Chief Freed (April
15, 1999)
Jailed rebel leader, Foday Sankoh, can now attend peace talks in Togo to
try to end Sierra Leone's nine-year civil war.
Security Council Sanctions Committee
Concerning Sierra Leone
(April 14, 1999)
Security Council Committee has decided that it will consider favourably
a request for travel outside Sierra Leone in order to facilitate the peace
process in Sierra Leone.
UN Mission In Sierra Leone To Stay
Till 13 June (March 15, 1999)
Security Council expressed the support for the peace monitoring group of
Economic Community of West African States.
Saving Sierra Leone (March 4, 1999)
John Hirsch discusses several options for handling the conflict in Sierra
Leone, settling on a UN-negotiated peace.
U.N. Monitors Accuse Sierra Leone
Peacekeepers of Killings (February 12, 1999)
Controversial reports of the UN monitoring group Ecomog, accused of executing
people suspected of being rebels.
Sierra Leone Leader Makes Demands (January
13, 1999)
The jailed founder of Sierra Leone's rebel force has demanded his freedom
in exchange for a cease-fire in the nation's mounting civil war.
1998
Security Council Meets in Open Session
to Consider Situation in Sierra Leone (December 18, 1998)
Recent study findings of the Sanction Committee on Sierra Leone, chaired
by Amb. Dahlgren.
Sierra Leone: Sowing Terror (July
1998)
Excerpts from a report by Human Rights Watch.
UN Council Lifts Sierra
Leone Arms Embargo (June 5 1998)
An article from Reuters written by Evelyn Leopold.
Lessons of Sierra Leone Intervention
Still Being Debated (May 19, 1998)
An analysis of the use of multi-national military force to reinstall elected
government. An article from Africa Law Today.
Hundreds Die Fleeing Sierra Leone,
Officials Say (April 9, 1998)
An account of the plight of refugees fleeing from rebel attacks in Sierra
Leone. An article from The New York Times.
A West African Border With Back-to-Back
Wars (January 25, 1998)
A look at the uneasy recent history in Sierra Leone and Liberia. An article
from The New York Times.
Special War Crimes Court
UN Sends Sierra Leone Proposal (November 8, 2001)
The UN has sent a draft agreement on the establishment of a war crimes court to the government of Sierra Leone. But planning for the new war crimes tribunal is still hampered by lack of funds.
(Associated Press)
The International Community's Resolve to End Impunity Must Be Strengthened (April 24, 2001)
The proposed financing system for the Special Court for Sierra Leone could jeopardize its establishment. Amnesty International criticizes the fact that the Court is funded by voluntary contributions instead of from the UN regular budget.
Sierra Leone Fears Support for War Crimes Court Wanes (April 17, 2001)
The Sierra Leone government worries about the establishment of a Special Court not only because of lack of financial resources, but also its mandate. African leaders may be reluctant to extend the jurisdiction beyond Sierra Leonean borders.
(New York Times)
War Crimes Tribunal Or Truth & Reconciliation Commission (April 3, 2001)
The Perspective takes position in favor of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, based on the South African model, as the only way to cut the vicious circle of violence in Liberia.
Security Council Says
Sierra Leone War Crimes Court Should Target Top Leaders Only (December 28,
2000)
The Council narrows the court's jurisdiction to "persons who bear the greatest
responsibility" for crimes, and recommends that juveniles appear before
a separate Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (UN News)
Sierra Leone: Justice
and the Special Court (November 1, 2000)
Jurisdictional limitiation to be placed on the Sierra Leone Special Court
has caused a reaction from Human Rights Watch, that says if the court
"is not given jurisdiction over crimes committed during the entire
war, justice cannot be served for the people of Sierra Leone."
UN Team Visits Camp for Child
Soldiers (October 12, 2000)
The UK Ambassador to the Security Council said that no child regarded as
a victim of the war, even if he had been fighting, would face a UN war crimes
tribunal. (IRIN)
UN Says Sierra Leone
Warcrimes Court Should Be Able to Try Children (October 5, 2000)
Annan's report recommended trying children for crimes, although he said
that the Council faced a "terrible dilemma" in deciding whether or not to
allow the prosecution of children who had themselves been "abducted, forcibly
recruited, sexually abused, reduced to slavery of all kinds." The UN had
better tread carefully on this one. (Agence France Presse)
UN Council to Set up
War Crimes Court in Sierra Leone (October 5, 2000)
An "independent special court" may be set up to prosecute those guilty of
war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone. The court was requested
by the government in Freetown. (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
UN to Establish
a War Crimes Panel to Hear Sierra Leone's Atrocity's Cases (August 15, 2000)
New York Times article about the decision of the Security Council to set
up a war crimes tribunal for Sierra Leone. Questions inevitably arise as
to such court's credibility and objectivity. (New York Times)
Council Agrees on Creation of
a War Crimes Tribunal for Sierra Leone (August 14, 2000)
The Security Council proposes an independent criminal court in Sierra Leone.
Included are detailed guidelines and principles of the court. (UN Press
Release)
More Information on Sierra Leone
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