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A two-week mission by the UN Institute of Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) to promote new ideas for peace and disarmament ended on 14 November, HACU reported. One of the two team members, Robin Poulton, said that if disarmament is to continue at a fast pace then there must be a visible sign that the people can appreciate and suggested a symbolic burning of 100 weapons as a “Smoke of Peace”.
The slow implementation of the DDR programme has led to speculation over the willingness of the parties to the conflict to support the process. Observers say that speeches by RUF leader Foday Sankoh during recent “sensitisation” trips to Buedu, Makeni and Segbwena have centred more on his role as leader than on encouraging disarmament.
The UNDP and the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone are launching a nationwide campaign against small arms, HACU reported.
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