Sierra Leone
Most roads now controlled by UN forces

afrol.com, 6 September - A few days ago, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji accompanied by the Acting Force Commander, and Sector IV commander visited Masiaka to get first-hand information about the security situation in that area. They went to Magbonthoso by helicopter and travelled the 15km stretch to Masiaka by road. They were able to see for themselves that all checkpoints are manned by the Jordanian Battalion. 

- Our peacekeepers have informed us that the overall situation in the country is calm and that UNAMSIL continues to carry out strong mobile and static patrols in all areas of deployment, UNAMSIL spokesman Hirut Befecadu stated yesterday on a press conference in Freetown. 

The UNAMSIL lately has been gaining momentum as some West Side Boys are surrendering and disarming. They are now moving on Operation "Turning Point" and it is expected that they soon will deploy to Lunsar-Makeni and get the strategical Masiaka-Port Loko highway reopened.

- Concerning the road between Freetown-Masiaka, and Masiaka-Port Loko, our troops have informed us that they conduct patrols between Port Loko, Rogberi to Magbele Bridge and any civilians wishing to travel on that route will be accompanied, spokesman Hirut Befecadu stated. The last convoy had about 62 vehicles including UNAMSIL and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). 

Until lately, the road between Freetown-Masiaka, and Masiaka-Port Loko was full of checkpoints manned by the West Side Boys. Now, the UNAMSIL spokesman assures that "here are no other checkpoints except those of UNAMSIL" on that road. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Force Commander could verify this when they met with some of the West Side Boys during their visit to Masiaka.

However, when asked if he was aware of two checkpoints manned by the West Side Boys along Mile 91 road where civilians are being harassed, the spokesman was at a loss for an answer, and could only thank the journalist for the information. "We will make a follow-up," he said. 

Further, the Mabang Bridge remains under rehabilitation, interfering civilian use of the Masiaka road. Before the construction commences, a temporary arrangement will be made to facilitate traffic. As far as assurance to civilians, UNAMSIL reiterates that it is patrolling the roads and if civilian wishes they are allowed to join in the convoys.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji and the Acting Force Commander themselves went by air to Magbonthoso but then continued by road to Masiaka. 

UNAMSIL to take control of villages abandoned by RUF 
- We are hoping and as was indicated to us the RUF desires to see civilians return to their villages that have been abandoned, spokesman Hirut Befecadu said. There is also an indication that there is a willingness on the RUF side for us to deploy in those areas. Based on this confidence building, slowly but surely we are hoping to have our peacekeepers deployed all over the country and in the near future get everybody to observe the ceasefire in the Lomé Peace Agreement. 

- As military observers our troops go to deploy in areas where it is possible. We have started our talks with the RUF leadership and when it is consented our military observers will move into other areas, the spokesman concluded. 

Source: Based on UNAMSIL

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