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DATE=6/28/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SIERRA LEONE / FIGHTING (L-O)
NUMBER=2-263859
BYLINE=PURNELL MURDOCK
DATELINE=ABIDJAN
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: United Nations officials in Sierra Leone say 
more clashes have erupted between rival forces making 
up a shaky pro-government alliance.  From our West 
Africa Bureau, V-O-A correspondent Purnell Murdock 
reports the skirmishes have cast doubt on the 
stability of the alliance.
TEXT:  U-N officials say the latest clash occurred 
early Wednesday near the town of Masiaka, some 50 
kilometers from the capital, Freetown. 
Sierra Leone Army officials could not be reached for 
comment.  A French News Agency report quotes unnamed 
army officials who say the fighting pitted loyalist 
members of Sierra Leone's army against an allied 
militia known as the West Side Boys.
U-N peacekeeping force spokeswoman Hirut Befacadu says 
reports from peacekeeping troops deployed near Masiaka 
appear to confirm fighting between the two pro-
government allies.
/// Befacadu Act ///
      We had a report that it is probably these two 
      groups.  We have troops deployed that say there 
      is shooting between these two sides. But to name 
      names would be difficult.
      
/// End Act ///
The Sierra Leone government is relying on the alliance 
of former enemies to help fight a rebel insurgency 
that resumed earlier this year following the collapse 
of a July 1999 peace accord.
Recently, the alliance has appeared tenuous.  Last 
week, rival pro-government factions fought in Lunsar, 
90 kilometers east of the capital. Their clash 
triggered a retreat of pro-government forces and a 
rebel take-over of the strategic town.  /// Opt /// A 
shoot-out in Freetown between other members of the 
allied forces resulted in the death of a civilian. // 
End Opt //
Sierra Leone military officials have downplayed these 
skirmishes as isolated incidents.  But the clashes are 
becoming more frequent, casting doubt on the stability 
of the alliance.  (signed)
NEB/WPM/KBK 
TEXT:
NEB/ / 
28-Jun-2000 16:40 PM EDT (28-Jun-2000 2040 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.