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President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, in a nationwide broadcast yesterday, urged the rebels to free more children as a gesture of peace. Kabbah did not mention a date or a venue for preliminary peace talks between detained rebel leader Foday Sankoh and his commanders, but he did warn that fresh attacks on towns and villages would be dealt with firmly, news organisations reported.
Kabbah first urged the rebels to free children in a nationwide address two weeks ago. He said yesterday: “I have taken note of the decision of the rebels and their allies to respond to my appeal for the release of our children, whom they have abducted, drugged and armed to commit atrocities against innocent civilians.
“Since they have only released a small number, I would like to renew my appeal.”
According to news reports, rebels have handed over 52 children during the last three weeks - 21 were released on Friday after Sankoh urged his troops to free all civilians. Relief workers estimate that as many as 2,000 children could be in rebel hands, Reuters said.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions