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Government rejects rebel accusations

[Chad] UN officials say at least another 100,000 Darfur refugees will likely join the 200,000 already in Chad before the next rainy season begins in May. Most are women and children. Oure Cassoni camp, September 2004. Claire Soares/IRIN
The refugees are fleeing conflict in Chad
    ABÉCHÉ

    Sierra Leone presidential spokesman Septimus Kaikai today reacted to comments by Golley accusing the government of not moving fast enough and warning of another rebel offensive. “It is inaccurate to say the government is not acting quickly,” Kaikai told IRIN. He stressed the government had taken the initiative to push forward the peace process in line with the Abidjan peace accord of 1996. President Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah had allowed Sankoh to talk to his rebel commander, Sam Bockarie, with a view to advancing peace, Kaikai pointed out. If the rebels wanted to launch another offensive, they should not blame the government. He said the priority was to seek sustainable peace in the country. Golley’s comments were puzzling, as the rebels had been in touch with the government via radio to state their desire for a peace dialogue.
    Kaikai also rejected accusations by Golley that the government was seeking to “factionalise” the RUF. “We have no interest in splitting the rebels,” he said. The peace process was a national issue and involved every segment of society, he stressed.

    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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