Sierra Leone: A Revolutionary United Front (RUF) camp near or in Zimmi; a fight with government soldiers in 1994 (1991-1995)

Information in addition to that found in SLE40921.E of 22 January 2003 regarding a Revolutionary United Front (RUF) camp in or near Zimmi could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

Although not specifically mentioning Zimmi, which is in the Pujehun district (Relief Web 1 July 2000), reports of fighting between the RUF and government soldiers in Pujehun during 1994 were found among sources consulted (ARB 21 Mar. 1994, 11345; ibid. 24 Apr. 1994, 11375; ibid. 21 Feb. 1994, 11307; Keesing's 1994, 39801). Africa Research Bulletin included a report by Radio Freetown stating that, on 11 January 1994, "government troops had succeeded in recapturing the rebel-held town of Kasse, near Silema, in the Pujehun district after a fierce battle that lasted several hours" (21 Feb. 1994, 11307). The same source later reported that, according to local journalists, the RUF had attacked the village of Bandasuma on 15 February 1994, killing 38 civilians before being "repelled" by government soldiers, who killed 18 assailants and took eight prisoners following two hours of combat (21 Mar. 1994, 11345). A third report by Africa Research Bulletin stated that humanitarian organizations working in the southeast region of the country were leaving the area because the level of fighting had intensified (24 Apr. 1994, 11375). A humanitarian organization representative was quoted as saying,

[s]ince the end of 1993, we have seen a significant increase in the level of fighting, and we now have the whole south and southeast of the country up in flames. The fighting is very violent, and is characterized by extreme ferocity. These are not minor incidents of small-time rebels or isolated elements simply looting: it is far more serious than that. These are organized forces, who have decided to go on the offensive to overthrow the Freetown government ... (ARB 24 Apr. 1994, 11375).

Similarly, Keesing's carried reports by the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBC) radio which reported government claims of successes against the RUF, including a 11 January announcement that its soldiers had recaptured RUF-held locations in the Pujehun district (1994, 39801).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series (ARB) [Oxford]. 24 April 1994. Vol. 31, No. 3. "Sierra Leone: Fighting Intensifies."

_____. 21 March 1994. Vol. 31, No. 2. "Sierra Leone: Civilians Killed."

_____. 21 February 1994. Vol. 31, No. 1. "Sierra Leone: Clashes With Rebels."

Keesing's Record of World Events 1994. 1994. Vol. 40, No. 1. "Sierra Leone: Successes Against Rebels."

Relief Web. 1 July 2000. "Map Republic of Sierra Leone District." [Accessed 25 Feb. 2003]

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa Confidential

IRB Databases

NEXIS

Internet sites, including:

Africa Online

AllAfrica.com

Amnesty International (AI)

BBC Africa

Global IDP

Human Rights Watch (HRW)

International Christian Concern (ICC)

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

International Crisis Group (ICG)

Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)

Sierra Leone Web (SLW)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

World News Connection (WNC)

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