Civilians continue to die from war, Amnesty says

Guinean forces attacking insurgents in Sierra Leone are still making “little or no effort” to minimize civilian casualties as artillery and helicopter gunships recently pounded five towns and villages in Kambia District, Amnesty International (AI) reported.

“Guinean security forces have launched indiscriminate attacks on Sierra Leone territory,” it reported on Friday.

AI quoted witnesses as saying that while civilians suffered greatly, there were few casualties among fighters of Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and little damage to their base and equipment. In the last two week, it said, Guinean troops attacked the towns of Kassiri and Rokupr and the villages of Kychom, Rokon and Sino in western Sierra Leone.

AI termed Guinea’s actions a violation of international humanitarian law and said the government of Sierra Leone and other members of the international community appeared reluctant to condemn the acts.

However, Guinea and Sierra Leone have set up a body to ensure that civilians are not hurt in the strikes against the RUF. AI said it in a visit to the area in April, its officials asked the government, the Guinean ambassador to Sierra Leone and the UN Mission in the country to provide greater protection for civilians.

Fighting began along the Guinea/Sierra Leone border in September 2000 after insurgents crossed into Guinea and attacked towns and villages nearby. Guinean troops responded with cross-border retaliatory raids.