Shelpidi calls for support for ECOMOG

The West African peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone is “overstretched” and needs more support from the international community, outgoing ECOMOG commander Major General Timothy Shelpidi was quoted by news reports as saying on Friday. Shelpidi, who was speaking at a farewell press briefing in Freetown, said it was a source of major regret that not enough manpower and logistical support had been provided. This had partly enabled the rebels in Sierra Leone to attack Freetown in January, he said. Responding to criticism that his forces had not provided enough security for Freetown residents, Shelpidi said that “you must first protect yourself before expecting ECOMOG to protect you”, according to the BBC. Shelpidi’s replacement, Major General Felix Mujakperuo, formally started his duties on Monday as force commander, an ECOMOG spokesman told IRIN.