Number: RL31062
Title: Sierra Leone: Transition to Peace
Authors: Nicolas Cook, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: In January 2002, UN-sponsored disarmament exercises in all of Sierra Leone were completed. The first national elections since 1996 will take place in mid-May 2002. The United States has funded the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Sierra Leone since the start of the conflict. In the mid- to late-1990s, it funded security assistance in support of the elected government of Sierra Leone. U.S. policy has emphasized political support for conflict resolution mediation, continued UN multi-sectoral assistance to the government and people of Sierra Leone, and the imposition of UN trade, travel, and other sanctions on the RUF and its domestic and international allies, particularly the Liberian government.
Pages: 45
Date: Updated May 15, 2002