DATE=6/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SIERRA LEONE / SECURITY (L-O)
NUMBER=2-263587
BYLINE=PURNELL MURDOCK
DATELINE=ABIDJAN
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Gunfire that killed at least one civilian and
wounded four others has sparked security concerns in
Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, following the
departure of British troops. From our West Africa
Bureau, Correspondent Purnell Murdock reports Sierra
Leone government and U-N officials say the capital is
safe, despite the shooting.
TEXT: U-N officials in Freetown say the 30-minute
gunbattle started late Saturday when security forces
fired on a group of men trying to steal cars in the
city center.
The Sierra Leone government moved quickly to ease
fears about the incident. A message carried over
state radio appealed for calm, saying the situation in
Freetown is under control.
But the timing and location of the shooting has
sparked concern among the citizens about security in
the city. The shooting took place near Freetown's
main prison, where some of Sierra Leone's
Revolutionary United Front rebels are detained.
The incident also follows the departure Thursday of
British troops sent to support U-N peacekeepers in the
country.
The U-N peacekeeping mission's spokesman in Freetown,
David Wimhurst, told V-O-A such incidents can occur as
long as various groups hold weapons.
// WIMHURST ACT //
It is really not linked in any way to the
withdrawal of British troops. The problem of
bands of men still carrying arms in Freetown has
been going on for a long time - despite the
government's insistence that Freetown remain an
arms-free zone.
// END ACT //
U-N peacekeeping troops have boosted regular patrols
of the capital. Mr. Wimhurst said the troops moved
quickly to restore calm.
// SECOND WIMHURST ACT //
I was actually pleased to see following this
incident - I was in Freetown myself - that all
of the checkpoints throughout the city were
manned and very active. People had heard the
gunshots and did not know what was its cause.
The government was stopping cars and searching
them. So it was a very active response to this
incident and the security situation remains the
way it has been.
// END ACT //
The Sierra Leone government signed a peace deal with
rebels in July 1999. Among the provisions was for all
warring factions to hand over their weapons to a U-N-
monitored disarmament program. But so far, fewer than
half the estimated 45-thousand combatants have turned
in their guns.
Adding to the uncertainty in Freetown is the
collection of militias and armed fighters who were
once enemies, but are now allies supporting the
government.
Their close proximity adds to the possibility for
friction. (SIGNED)
NEB/WPM/RAE
18-Jun-2000 14:21 PM EDT (18-Jun-2000 1821 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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