Sierra Leone War in Review

SIERRA LEONE WAR IN REVIEW

In March 1991, the first shots were fired in the name of the fight against oppression, bad governance, and corrupt leaders. This list extended to every other aspect of bad government one can think of. In April 29 1992, “Tiger” came to town overthrew the “BAD” government in power. With the bad government deposed of and a popular one in its place, there was a great relief and people shouted with jubilation. The stated justification for the war was gone, but the smoke from the barrels didn’t stop.

As time went by and moments unfolded, things became clearer. The conflict took a new turn; a direction none anticipated and in total contrast to the reason it all first began. An era of total destruction commenced. Hell broke loose into a land that was once was the friendliest place you could think of; where people will give strangers their last food, give up their bed and take the floor. It was once a place of total hospitability.

For 10 years running it was death, burning, and destruction; leaving scars that will be seen for generations to come in this once “Athens of West African” heritage. Looking back to past times to see an explanation for all this, no reason can be found. Looking at the end of it all there is a lot to be learnt from what happened: many things to sleep over and reflect upon. When I took some time out to do so, this is what I see…

A plague was brought upon us and people suffered endlessly. Some will not recover until their souls are laid to rest. A few were taken to account in the name of “bringing the perpetrators to justice”. They were tried at the Special Court and charged with “bearing the greatest responsibility” for the atrocities. Have we asked ourselves are they really the only perpetrators? The “perpetrators” are also some of the people we come across everyday in public places, in our neighborhoods, and close to our homes. These are the people who were given a thank you package in the name of “Rehabilitation”, “Reintegration” and “Reconciliation Commission”. It seemed strange to me that they should be rewarded so.

The international community spent millions to bring certain individuals to justice. Why waste the money on “justice” whilst ignoring the needs of the victims? What of the people who ply the streets day in and day out begging to earn a living? Look at the sheds they call house, and look at the diseases they’re suffering living in these slums. Has anyone thought about them for a moment?

Should Sierra Leone need anything at the moment, it is a bridge from the nightmarish war to a better place. We have to say to our children, that a better place can be reached when Sierra Leoneans come together. We should say, this is our home so let us fix it the way we want it, this is my baby let me love her the way she deserves, and this is my all, let me give my all to get my all.

By:
Ulric Quee