Sierra Leone's History of Civil Conflict

Formerly part of the British Empire, Sierra Leone gainded independence in 1961, and politicals instability has since plagued the country.

The vicious civil war began in 1991 when a rebel group invaded from Liberia. The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) embarked on a campaign of terrorisisng communities and looting diamond mines.

Those not supporting the revels were targeted and often mutilated as a deterrent. A stream of refugees fled to Guinea, Liberia and Freetown. Children were recruited as soldiers, their obedience guaranteed by fear and the use of drugs, alcohol and animistic practices.

At the height of the conflict, the rebels controlled the diamond mining area and most of the country. They ruled by anarchy, destroying and persecuting any institutions perceived to hold society together such as schools, churches, mosques, clinics, hospitals etc.

In 2000, a government of national unity was formed and amnesty was given for all rebel activities except crimes against humanity. This paved the way for the deployment of 17,500 United Nations peacekeepers and the disarmament of the fighting factions. Britian supported the government by helping to train both Sierra Leone's army and police.

In January 2002, a colourful ceremony, attended by government and rebel leaders, annuonced that the war was officially over. President Dabbah put a match to a pile of guns and ammunition returned by excombatants and declared: "Di war don don" (The war is part.) A reduced UN peace keeping force remained till middle of 2005.

Notes taken from Tearfunds report on Sierra Leone