CMS Press Release

Sierra Leone is experiencing its "darkest hour". The future of the West African nation hangs in the balance, declares the Rt Revd Julius O P Lynch, Anglican Bishop of Freetown.

In a pastoral statement currently being read in the churches of his diocese, the Bishop expresses his "shock" that "Sierra Leonians could unleash such inhumanity and barbarity on their fellow men and women causing such destruction to life and property." The rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF), he said, "have continued to inflict unnecessary hardship and untold suffering on the people of Sierra Leone" by "maiming, killing, raping and arson."

Civil war has raged intermittently in Sierra Leone for more than a decade. In may 1997, just a few months after democratic elections, the RUF overthrew the government, destroying buildings and infrastructure and inflicting horrible atrocities on the population. Intervention by troops from neighbouring Nigeria (ECOMOB and supporting local civil defence groups) restored democracy early in 1998. But after a lull the RUF staged a comeback. They entered Freetown in January, inflicting even more damage, murdering and taking vicious reprisals on opponents and ordinary civilians. The violence caused thousands to flee to neighbouring countries.

Bishop Lynch, who courageously stayed with his people even though his life was in danger, says that many people have been left "mutilated, displaced, homeless, traumatised and left to mourn their dead relations and friends. Some of our churches have been destroyed and desecrated." Fighting and violence continues in outlying areas.

His statement praises as "God's agents of salvation" the Nigerian troops who have intervened to stop rebel action "that has left Freetown and much of the West African country in ruins."

Bishop Lynch welcomes the efforts of Sierra Leone's President Kabbah to invite the rebel Revolutionary United Front to the dialogue table. He expresses hope that the RUF will respond "positively and sincerely".

He insists that security and harmony will never be fully restored in Sierra Leone until relations with neighbouring Liberia are normalised and peace comes to the entire sub-region.

Bishop Lynch urges Sierra Leonians to support the search for a permanent peace. There is a golden opportunity" to "work relentlessly for enduring peace," the statement concludes.