Sierra Leone
More than a million people are denied access to humanitarian aid

afrol.com, 13 September - Renewed efforts for peace urgently needed in Sierra Leone as more than a million people in war-torn Sierra Leone are being denied access to essential humanitarian aid, according to Oxfam workers based in the country. 

Fighting on a road into one of Oxfam's humanitarian programmes has also hindered the supply of essential aid to displaced people. 

Humanitarian organisations are now unable to reach two-thirds of Sierra Leone because of attacks by bandits and rebels, including the West Side Boys.

"This situation is unacceptable and reinforces the need for all sides to work with renewed vigour to find a lasting political solution," said Andy Featherstone, Oxfam Humanitarian Co-ordinator for West Africa.

To achieve this solution, Oxfam GB is urging the British government to remain committed to supporting the democratically elected government of Sierra Leone and UNAMSIL - the UN body working in Sierra Leone.

The British army has already played an important role both in stabilising the situation on the ground, in support of the UN Peacekeeping Operation, and in training the Sierra Leone national army to play its part in protecting the civilian population. 

Now is not the time to withdraw this assistance despite the sad loss of life involved in the successful release of hostages taken by the West Side Boys.

Oxfam GB continues to work in Sierra Leone, providing clean drinking water and sanitation for the thousands of displaced people in camps in Freetown, Port Loko, Kenema and Lungi, and giving public health advice to rural villages.

Sources: Oxfam

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