Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Freetown (Agenzia Fides) – On February 25, the Special Tribunal for Sierra Leone found 2 commanders from the United Revolutionary Front (RUF) guilty of crimes committed during the civil war that concluded in 2002 (see Fides 26/2/2009).
Fr. Gerardo Caglioni, Xaverian missionary with long-time experience in Sierra Leone, sent Fides his commentary on the country's reaction to the verdict.
“Among the people of Sierra Leone, the common opinion is that the court decision regarding the three responsible for crimes against humanity and another series of violations of international humanitarian laws – such as homicides, rape, slave-like treatment, recruiting children, and terrorist acts among the population – has been insufficient and that it covers too small a part of the crimes committed by the RUF rebels in the ten years during which they overran the area.
The sentence will be pronounced during March, after it has been subject to approval by various parties.
The Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Sierra Leone, Stephen Rapp, has declared that the ruling acknowledges the terrible crimes committed against the innocent civilians of Sierra Leone and certainly renders justice to the suffering of the masses of victims who have been mutilated, enslaved, killed, or raped, and those who were left homeless and without anything. He also mentions that the objectives of these men were not military-related, against enemies or soldiers, but against innocent men, women, and children. This means that these men chose to commit such terrible acts on innocent people, in an effort to subject the population by using terror.
This is the first time in the history of the world that men are condemned for a crime against humanity such as forced marriages.
Amnesty International, has judged the outcome of the process as positive, however at the same time maintains that there is an insufficient effort taking place to fight impunity in Sierra Leone, which was ratified with the Lome Peace Accord. In fact, many others, probably several hundreds, should be facing trial for the same serious crimes, without necessarily inflicting the death penalty. Among those in international focus is Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia.
The international community cannot sit by and wait for this moment to pass, without taking action. It is called to enforce justice with promptitude, as well for the sake to the people of Sierra Leone who suffered merciless and bloody years of war. It should not remain satisfied with an initial result, as positive as it may seem, if it is yet insufficient in relation to the injustices suffered by the people. They should ensure that these nations may enjoy a new life soon, and collaborate with the governments in the speedy transformation of the country.
The new government in Sierra Leone is also experiencing difficulties at this time. The electoral promises do not find the right men to make dreams come true or allow for a rebirth of a new nation. In late February, President Ernest Koroma was forced to have to substitute men who were not on par with expectations and in the duties that had been entrusted to them. Apparently, the immediate reason for a gesture of this kind were the serious upheavals that occurred during several sports events held at the Inter Secondary School Sports in Freetown. The police intervened, leaving many people wounded. However, none of the Ministers of the Government, nor the organizers of the event, nor the police chiefs bothered to attend the wounded or assure them of adequate medical attention that would help overcome the lack of materials needed for attending them.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/3/2009)
