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Forum for harmony between ECOMOG and civilians

[Liberia] Tens of thousands of supporters turned out for George Weah's final election rally in the Liberian capital, Monrovia. The West African nation heads to the polls to pick a new president on 11 October. [Date picture taken: 2005/10/08] Claire Soares/IRIN
Weah supporters turn out en masse before the first round vote
    MONROVIA

    A 19-member committee made up of ECOMOG officials, civilians, journalists and lawyers has been formed to look into relations between the public and the West African peacekeeping force, according to an ECOMOG press statement sent on Thursday to IRIN.

    The ECOMOG force commander, Major General Felix Mujakperuo, said the panel was "one of the major agents to be used by the force to achieve its objectives of peace in Sierra Leone". He called on the committee "to work out the means of addressing the complex issues which affect the understanding and relationship between soldiers and civilians".

    Following the rebel invasion of Freetown on 6 January, the Nigerian-led ECOMOG force was accused of harassing civilians and committing summary executions of suspected rebels or their supporters. Mujakperuo said some of the complaints about ECOMOG were true while others were "fabrications". He said his force wanted to eliminate abuses.

    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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