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Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Krijn Peters According to all estimates, Sierra Leone had been expected to finish the year with impressive financial growth. Instead, due to the Ebola epidemic, 2014 turned out to be one of the worst years since the civil war ended in 2002. Following the first Ebola death in late May, the virus spread uncontrolled and by the end of the year the country had 10,000 reported cases. The death toll for the Mano River Union coun- tries, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, was put at nearly 8,000. The crisis eventually triggered a huge international response, but prior to the international intervention the country suffered from months of inaction, which proved to be disastrous and costly. By the end of the year, the epidemic had still not peaked. It was expected that it would be well into 2015 before the country could be declared Ebola free. The human loss would be in the thousands and the economic loss in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The Ebola crisis and its consequences thus clearly dominated developments in Sierra Leone in 2014. © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, ���5 | doi ��.��63/978900430505�_0�9 Sierra Leone �59 Domestic Politics On 13 March, former president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah died at the age of 82, follow- ing a long illness. Kabbah was born in 1932 and started his career as a civil servant in 1959. In the late 1960s he had become the youngest permanent secretary, serving in various ministries. Following the defeat of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the 1968 elections, his political career came to a temporary halt. He moved abroad and subsequently worked for more than 20 years for UNDP. One year into the Sierra Leone civil war, Kabbah became president of Sierra Leone’s National Consultative Council. In 1996, he was elected president in the first free elections in decades and in November that year brokered a peace-accord with the rebel Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone. The following year, he was ousted by a coup and fled to neighbouring Guinea. He returned in 1998 and won the 2002 elections, which allowed him to rule for another five years. Kabbah has been widely perceived as the president who ended the civil war and brought peace to the nation. On 14 April, a military court charged a captain and 13 soldiers with mutiny after they were arrested for planning a protest against President Ernest Bai Koroma in August 2013. All pleaded not guilty. The accused faced either demotion or, in the worst (but unlikely) case, execution by firing squad. On 20 September, the 2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance was published, ranking Sierra Leone ranked 25th of the 52 listed countries with an improved over- all score of 51.1, up 3.9 points since 2009. To illustrate both the country’s sustained progress and the considerable challenges it faced, the overall score in 2000 had been only 34.0. Foreign Affairs At the start of the year, Sierra Leonean military troops were still in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to fight against al-Shabaab militants. Following the arrival of about 4,000 Ethiopian troops, the Sierra Leonean troops were now part of a 22,000 strong UN-backed force. On 2 June, Sierra Leone’s military chief of staff, General Samuel Omar Williams, arrived in Mogadishu. He met with the AMISOM commanders and visited Sierra Leonean troops stationed in the Juba region. One month before his visit, the first phase of the construction of an ECOWAS military depot, close to Sierra Leone’s international airport in Lungi, was completed. Stocked with military equipment donated by the USA, it would allow the regional body to respond quickly to emergencies and conflicts in the West African region. In January, Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino visited Sierra Leone as part of a six nation tour, to explore closer links between the two countries. Opportunities for collaboration of a predominately economic nature were discussed. On 17 May, .
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  • 1 Sierra Leone
    Sierra Leone – Researched and compiled by the Refugee Documentation Centre of Ireland on 18 March 2010 Information as to what recent wars Sierra Leone has been involved in and when they ended. In a section titled “History” the United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office country profile for Sierra Leone states: “The SLPP ruled until 1967 when the electoral victory of the opposition APC was cut short by the country's first military coup. But the military eventually handed over to the APC and its leader Siaka Stevens in 1968. He turned the country into a one -party state in 1978. He finally retired in 1985, handing over to his deputy, General Momoh. Under popular pressure, one party rule was ended in 1991, and a new constitution providing for a return to multi-party politics was approved in August of that year. Elections were scheduled for 1992. But, by this stage, Sierra Leone's institutions had collapsed, mismanagement and corruption had ruined the economy and rising youth unemployment was a serious problem. Taking advantage of the collapse, a rebel movement, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) emerged, with backing from a warlord, Charles Taylor, in neighbouring Liberia, and in 1991 led a rebellion against the APC government. The government was unable to cope with the insurrection, and was overthrown in a junior Officers coup in April 1992. Its leader, Capt Strasser, was however unable to defeat the RUF. Indeed, the military were more often than not complicit with the rebels in violence and looting.” (United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office (25 February 2009) Country Profiles: Sub-Saharan Africa – Sierra Leone) This profile summarises the events of the period 1996 to 2002 as follows: “Strasser was deposed in January 1996 by his fellow junta leaders.
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  • Sierra Leone
    Coor din ates: 8°3 0′N 1 1 °3 0′W Sierra Leone Sierra Leone (/siˌɛrə liˈoʊn, -ˈoʊni/, UK also /siˌɛərə-, [6] Republic of Sierra Leone ˌsɪərə-/), officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea to the northeast, Liberia to the southeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. It has a tropical climate, with a diverse environment ranging from savanna to 2 rainforests. The country has a total area of 7 1,7 40 km Flag Coat of arms (27 ,699 sq mi)[7] and a population of 7 ,07 5,641 as of Motto: "Unity, Freedom, Justice" the 2015 census.[2] Sierra Leone is a constitutional republic with a directly elected president and a Anthem: High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free unicameral legislature. Sierra Leone has a dominant unitary central government. The country's capital and largest city is Freetown (population 1,050,301). The second most populous city is Kenema (population 200,354) located 200 miles from Freetown. Sierra Leone is made up of five administrative regions: the Northern Province, North West Province, Eastern Province, Southern Province and the Western Area. These regions are subdivided into sixteen districts, which are further divided into 190 chiefdoms.[8][9] Sierra Leone was a British colony from 1808 to 1961. Sierra Leone became independent from the United Location of Sierra Leone (dark blue) Kingdom on 27 April 1961, led by Sir Milton Margai, – in Africa (light blue & dark grey) – in the African Union (light blue) – [Legend] who became the country's first prime minister.
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  • Sierra Leona Sierra Leona
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  • 5 November, 97 Ref
    ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES COMMUNAUTE ECONOMIQUE DBS ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST ECOWAS CEDEAO HEADQUARTERS: SIEGE: 6, KING GEORGE V ROAD, 6, KING GEORGE V ROAD, P. M. B. 1 2745, LACOS (NIGERIA) P. M. B. 12745, LAGOS (NIGERIA) TELEPHONE: 2600720-9, 2600860-8, TELEPHONE: 2600720-9, 2600860-8, TELEX: 22633, 28213, 23749 ECOWAS NC. TELEX: 22633, 28213, 23749 ECOWAS NG. FAX: 26370S2, 2637675, 2600869. FAX:2637052, 2637675, 2600869. SECRETARIAT. SECRETARIAT. ECW/REL/020/LEG/139 5 November, 97 Ref. No., :.-•. 19 The Secretary-General United Nations 1 UN Plaza New York 10017 New York Dear Sir, of the ECOWAS Committee of Five Sierra Leone— -? to the United Nations Security Council I have the honour to transmit the first report of the ECOWAS Committee of Five on Sierra Leone, covering the period from 8 October to 5 November, 1997 as requested by the Security Council in paragraph 9 of Resolution 1132(1997) concerning the situation in Sierra Leone for onward transmission to the Chairman of the United Nations Security Council. ......................... ....... ------ ............ ----------- Please accept, Your Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. Lansana Executive Secre/tary ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES FIRST REPORT OF THE ECOWAS COMMITTEE OF FIVE ON SIERRA LEONE TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL MADE PURSUANT TO UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTION S/RES 1132(1997) OF 8/10/97 EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT LAGOS, INTRODUCTION 1. On 25 May, 1997. a section of the military in Sierra Leone violently overthrew the legitimate government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. 2. The coup d'etat was not only notably bloody but it also resulted in very tragic consequences on all class of citizens of the country.
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  • Human Rights Chronology: 1991-1997
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  • Profiles Was Part of the Transitional Government from 2003–2006
    other war-affected and victims of sexual violence receive US$80. The september – Bio is struck on the head with a rock during a visit to EITI board renews Sierra Leone’s Candidate status, setting a new Bo, Sierra Leone’s second city. Several APC buildings are torched validation deadline of 9 December 2012. in retaliation and violence breaks out between rival SLPP and APC supporters. A temporary ban on political rallies is imposed. The UN August – SLPP selects the former head of the NPRC government, Security Council renews the UNIPSIL mandate for a further year with Julius Maada Bio, as its candidate for 2012 presidential elections. specific instructions to provide assistance during 2012 elections. Bio, popular in parts of the south and east, is criticised by opposition figures for alleged past abuses and his involvement in the 1992 coup. World Bank and UN official, Sirleaf first stood for election in 1997 and Profiles was part of the transitional government from 2003–2006. She was appointed President in elections in 2005. In her first year Sirleaf enacted a series of reforms aimed at fighting corruption and improving financial National accountability. She successfully lobbied the UN to lift sanctions and secured major debt relief from the World Bank. Sirleaf has faced Liberia criticisms domestically, most notably her slow implementation of recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Charles Taylor (TRC), which controversially recommended that she be barred from Charles Taylor was leader of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia public office. Her decision to contest 2011 presidential elections (NPFL) rebel group that invaded Liberia in 1989, sparking years of civil broke her earlier promise to stand down after one term in office.
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  • Unspeakable Truths: Transitional Justice and the Challenge of Truth
    Praise for the Previous Edition “At last Priscilla Hayner has come along, supplying the first detailed survey of national and individual experiences with truth commissions. Hayner offers a stirring, trenchant, and nuanced account of the complex range of issues faced by those attempting to move forward while also looking backward…. Hayner writes about unspeakable truths, and herself is not afraid to utter them, as she challenges some of our core assumptions about truth, forgiveness, justice and healing.”—Samantha Power, author of A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide “Priscilla Hayner has written a curiously ambitious book. It is part history, part policy analysis, part field guide and handbook. What is even more unusual is that it succeeds famously on all scores. This is quite simply a tour de force, as useful in the field as around the negotiating table and as helpful in the boardroom as in the classroom.” —Patrick G. Coy, Kent State University “Hayner writes in an accessible, straightforward style that is at once comprehensive, compassionate, and utterly candid. She challenges many widely held assumptions about the ends and means of truth commissions. She points to the tendency to expect more from them than they could ever possibly deliver.” —Christian Science Monitor “As she explores the inner workings of these commissions, Hayner uncovers heart- wrenching stories about the pain, as well as the enormous power, of bringing past atrocity to light. For those concerned with the fate of democracy and freedom on the international stage, Unspeakable Truths is essential reading.” —Trial.org “ . offers essential insight into how truth commissions might serve human rights and justice.” —Richard Goldstone, in The American Prospect “ .
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  • A Vision for Sierra Leone
    Transcript A Vision for Sierra Leone Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio SLPP Presidential Nominee for the 2012 Elections Chair: Alex Vines Research Director, Area Studies and International Law; and Head of Africa Programme, Chatham House 10 May 2012 The views expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of Chatham House, its staff, associates or Council. Chatham House is independent and owes no allegiance to any government or to any political body. It does not take institutional positions on policy issues. This document is issued on the understanding that if any extract is used, the author(s)/ speaker(s) and Chatham House should be credited, preferably with the date of the publication or details of the event. Where this document refers to or reports statements made by speakers at an event every effort has been made to provide a fair representation of their views and opinions, but the ultimate responsibility for accuracy lies with this document’s author(s). The published text of speeches and presentations may differ from delivery. Transcript: A Vision for Sierra Leone Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio: Please permit me on behalf of my Party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), to first and foremost thank the United Kingdom (UK) Government for its continued support to Sierra Leone and for helping my country through our numerous difficulties, including support to re-establish peace after a devastating war and for our post-war reconstruction. I would also like to say that there I am very aware many of you would like to ask questions.
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  • 2004-11-01, Press Release, Lurd Rebel Factions Meet In
    UNAMSIL United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone PRESS RELEASE Ref No UNAMSIL/PIO/PR/ 198/2004 Date: 01 November 2004 LURD REBEL FACTIONS MEET IN FREETOWN IN EFFORTS TO RESOLVE DISPUTE Freetown, Sierra Leone – Under the chairmanship of Sierra Leone’s President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and the facilitation of the United Nations, members of the two factions in the former rebe l Liberians United for Reconciliation and Development (LURD), including their disputed leader Sheku Damate Konneh and his challenger Kabineh Janneh, who is also Minister of Justice in the National Transitional Government of Liberia, yesterday reached “an a greement on broad principles” following a two-day meeting in Freetown aimed at resolving their differences. According to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the President’s Lodge in Freetown, the two sides agreed to “work as one united entity,” agreeing that LURD would be transformed into a political movement. They expressed concern at the composition of the Liberian National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Resettlement (NCDDRR), which they say does not adequately a ddress the needs of their members, calling for the inclusion of senior former faction members to be appointed at senior level within the Commission. The MoU also expressed concern at recent disturbances in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, asking that an independent assessment mission be established and sent to review the disarmament process in that country. Earlier, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah said he was optimistic the agreement would hold, adding that he had spoken on the phone with the estranged wife of Mr. Konneh, who strongly contests her husband’s leadership, and she pledged her support for the outcome of the talks.
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  • Press Release
    UNAMSIL United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone PRESS RELEASE Ref No UNAMSIL/PIO/PR/ 194/2004 Date: 21 October 2004 PRESIDENT KABBAH INAUGURATES UNAMSIL-BUILT BRIDGE IN FREETOWN Freetown, Sierra Leone – President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah yesterday joined the Force Commander and Officer -in-Charge of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Major General Sajjad Akram to commission the Congo Town Bridge in the west of Freetown, built by Bangladeshi Engineers (BANENGR) serving with UNAMSIL. The Congo Bridge links the Central Business District of Freetown city to Congo Town, Aberdeen, Lumley and other areas in the west. It also will help decongest traffic from the main highway to the city center and help stimulate economic activities in Freetown. Work on the 110-foot long and 13.7-foot wide bridge began on 13 April and was completed on 26 May this year. It has a load capacity of 32 tons. President Kabbah noted that because of its age, lack of maintenance and the civil war, the bridge had been reduced to a decrepit structure that needed to be rebuilt. Major General Akram assured the President and other Sierra Leoneans that UNAMSIL would continue to cooperate with the Government of Sierra Leone in the construction and maintenance of roads in addition to undertaking its principal responsibility of peacekeeping. The Mission was aware that an efficient communication road network was essential for economic development. Also present at the ceremony were UNAMSIL Deputy Force Commander, Brigadier General Paul K. Opoku and Chief of Staff, Colonel Roland Ladley, among others. MEDIA CONTACT: Kemal SAIKI, Chief Public Information, Spokesman (+232-22-295-583 (Mobile +232-076-692-801 Email: [email protected] MEDIA CONTACT: Sharon McPHERSON, Head Media Relations Unit (+232 -22-295 -136 (Mobile +232-076-757 -802 Email: [email protected] .
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  • Sierra Leone: Whether a Person Who Did Not Participate in the General
    RIR Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada www.irb-cisr.gc.ca Français Home Contact Us Help Search canada.gc.ca Home > Research > Responses to Information Requests RESPONSES TO INFORMATION REQUESTS (RIRs) New Search | About RIR's | Help 03 April 2003 SLE41345.E Sierra Leone: Whether a person who did not participate in the general strike of 1997 and 1998 as decreed by the exiled Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) would be targeted by the Kamajors and, if so, protection available; areas of the country in which the Kamajors still have influence Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa The Kamajor militias are traditional hunters who fought against the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels during Sierra Leone's eleven-year armed conflict (IRIN 14 Feb. 2003; UNHCR/ACCORD 13-14 Nov. 2000), which President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah declared over on 18 January 2002 (HRW 2003). The editor of Sierra Leone Web (SLW) said, in correspondence with the Research Directorate, that the Kamajors, meaning "hunter" in Mende, are of the Mendes ethnic group and so were active in the southern and eastern regions of the country (21 Mar. 2003). The profile on Sierra Leone in the final report of the 6th European Country of Origin Information Seminar, states that the Civil Defence Forces (CDF) were a "major player" in the civil war and that, in the southern region of the country, they called themselves the Kamajors while in the north and north-east, they called themselves Tamboro (UNHCR/ACCORD 13-14 Nov. 2000, 149). The report further noted that, although the "stronghold" of the Kamajor militia was in Bo, they also had a "strong base" in the centre of the country (ibid.).
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