POLITICS-SIERRA LEONE: UN Resumes Deployment Of Peacekeepers

By Lansana Fofana Reprint | | Print |

Lansana Fofana

FREETOWN, Apr 13 2001 (IPS) - After suffering a string of disastrous setbacks at the hands of rebel forces last year, which clearly undermined its credibility, the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) has finally resumed deployment of its peacekeeping troops in this troubled West African state.

The latest batch of troops from the Ghanaian contingent moved into the diamond-producing town of Tongo Fields in the east of the country earlier this week. UNAMSIL officials say their troops will soon storm the northern regional capital of Makeni that hosts the headquarters of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).

“Our deployment strategies are well on course,” says Nigerian Major Mohammed Yerimah, the military spokesperson of UNAMSIL. “This time we are taking no chances and will ensure that we consolidate our positions to avoid mistakes of the past.”

He was referring to the thin deployment of troops in rebel- controlled areas by the then UNAMSIL Commander Major-General Vijay Kumar Jetley, an Indian. Also UNAMSIL relied heavily on the false assurances given by the rebels that they were ready for peace.

Up to 500 UN peacekeepers ended up being taken hostage by the RUF in May 2000, their weapons and other equipment confiscated, while the whole peace process was brought to a standstill.

With the new deployment strategy, it seems the UN force is flexing its muscle in the event that the rebels may spring their usual surprises by attacking positions held by the peacekeepers. And, of particular significance is the deployment of troops in a major diamond-producing region, which had for long been controlled by the RUF and which reportedly served as a ready source of funding for their bloody rebellion.

Notwithstanding the feelings of uncertainty among the war-weary population, there are hopes that peace would return to the impoverished country. The expectations are high and many look forward to the speedy deployment of UN peacekeepers in all rebel- held areas, covering almost half of the country as well as the most lucrative diamond and agricultural regions.

Remarked a Freetown-based teacher: “If UNAMSIL troops deploy to the diamond-rich Kono district in the east, then I will be sure the war is reaching its end because that will obviously break the backbone of the rebel movement.”

The gradual deployment of the peacekeepers has seen the slow but steady return of hundreds of displaced civilians back to the homes that have seen the blue berets taking positions. Though impoverished by Sierra Leone’s 10-year-old war, the displaced people, in Lunsar, northwest of Freetown, appear hopeful.

“I am happy to be back home,” said Sheik Kanu, a returnee farmer. “Even though my house was destroyed and all my possessions looted I am hoping that I can return to farming as peace holds in this area.”

There is grave humanitarian problem in the area as food and medicines are hard to come by. Nor is there any semblance of government authority, with children and women in particular showing signs of hunger, disease and malnutrition.

The UN Mission is now urging humanitarian agencies to move in and address the needs of the civilian population. Last week, the UN Deputy Secretary General Louise Frechette paid an assessment visit to Sierra Leone and was touched by the degree of human suffering in Lunsar where the peacekeepers are deployed.

She reassured them that the UN and its aid agencies would do all they can to alleviate the plight of these people.