The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) started on Monday the process of transforming itself from a guerrilla force into a political party known as the RUF Party (RUFP), ECOMOG spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Chris Olukolade told IRIN on Monday.
Shortly after midday, the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) granted RUF provisional registration as a party. Afterwards, party leader Foday Sankoh spoke to political supporters at a rally in Victoria Park, central Freetown. Security at this venue, attended by over 10,000 people, was ensured by ECOMOG troops, Olukolade said.
The transformation of RUF to a political party is in line with a provision in the Lome Peace Accord signed on 7 July by the government and rebels. Presidential spokesman Septimus Kaikai told IRIN on Monday that the government had ensured the legal requirements necessary for the change.
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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