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Peacekeepers have uphill task

    ABIDJAN

    The UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) found itself without a peace to protect as pro-government forces - reacting to a rebel advance on Freetown - went on the offensive this month against the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).

    UNAMSIL’s influence over the government is at an all-time low, analysts told IRIN. The peacekeepers have been pilloried by Sierra Leoneans for their failure to halt an RUF advance on Freetown earlier this month, and their inability to defend themselves against capture by the rebels.

    By contrast, the Sierra Leone Army (SLA) and Civil Defence Forces (CDF, a pro-government militia), after a call-to-arms by ex-coup leader and former RUF ally Johnny Paul Koroma, rallied to the defence of Freetown.

    Meanwhile West African nations, led by Nigeria, are preparing to deploy more peacekeepers in the country.

    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

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