Sankoh may soon regain freedom

Rebel leader, Foday Sankoh, may be released for the sake of peace, according to 'The Guardian', an independent Nigerian newspaper.

Sierra Leone's presidential spokesman, Septimus Kaikai, confirmed to IRIN that a meeting had taken place between a Nigerian journalist and Kabbah at State House, but he was unable to confirm that Sankoh may soon be released. Instead, Kaikai reiterated the government's position on the rebel leader: "As far as Sankoh is concerned, it will follow judicial and
constitutional requirements".

According to 'The Guardian', Kabbah said that if, during talks with the RUF, the government finds out that the only way to bring peace to Sierra Leone is to release Sankoh, then "if that is the price we have to pay for peace we have to consider that".

'The Guardian' reported that, when asked if his government would consider sharing power with the rebels, Kabbah rejected the idea on constitutional grounds: "The constitution does not provide a situation whereby people just come with arms and say we'll shoot you unless you share with us the authority which the people have given to a particular government at a particular time."

Kabbah has agreed to allow Sankoh meet his commanders prior to holding talks with the government. Sankoh is currently in detention awaiting the result of an appeal filed against his death sentence. The RUF rebels have consistently demanded his release.