The Conflict
The Sierra Leone civil conflict began in 1991 continuing until July 1999 when the international community brokered a peace treaty, the ‘Lome Peace Accord’, between the Sierra Leone government and the Revolutionary United Front. The agreement collapsed in May 2000 but peace was restored when up to 13,000 UN peacekeepers were brought in to maintain order. A small UK force is helping to reinforce security and train the Sierra Leone army.
Effects
50,000 people died in the conflict
over 2 million Sierra Leoneans were displaced by the conflict (over one third of the population) many of whom are now refugees in neighbouring countries.
100,000 civilians were deliberately mutilated
over 4,000 children were used as soldiers
rape and sexual abuse became weapons of war
Conflict in Sierra Leone
