UN mission confirms renewed clashes in eastern Sierra Leone, urges restraint

The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) today confirmed a renewal of fighting in the eastern part of the country and urged all parties to refrain from further violence.

"UNAMSIL regards these attacks as violations of the Abuja Ceasefire Agreement and as a threat to the peace process," the UN Mission said in a statement issued in Freetown. "It appeals for the exercise of restraint in order not to jeopardize the progress achieved by all parties at the 2 May Abuja Ceasefire Review."

A UNAMSIL patrol confirmed that the Civil Defence Force (CDU) had attacked Saiama, a town about 8 kilometres from the Guinean border, which until recently was occupied by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). The patrol later met up with CDF combatants at Mangadu - approximately 14 kilometres southwest of Saiama - who confirmed that they had been operating in the area against RUF positions. The combatants were informed of the Abuja agreement and the need to abide by it.

From 7 to 9 May, a Bangladesh battalion and a team of military observers, undertook a joint patrol from Magburaka to Koidu, including surrounding areas, the UN Mission said.

The UNAMSIL Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Daniel Opande, visited the patrols in Koidu and joined their forward movements to Woama and Saiama. Gen. Opande then returned to Koidu and held a meeting with RUF interim leader Gen. Issa Sesay. During the meeting, the RUF leader assured UNAMSIL that his army was fully committed to the Abuja Ceasefire Review Agreement and that it would deliver on the terms of the agreement. He called on UNAMSIL to ensure that the CDF attacks were halted.

Meanwhile Ghanaian peacekeepers on a patrol in Bandajuma, some 8 kilometres northwest of Daru, confirmed RUF reports of a CDF attack on 7 May and witnessed ongoing fighting in that location, UNAMSIL said.