Sierra Leone
British troops powerful factor in Sierra Leone

afrol.com, 17 November - Following the critics by General Muhammad Garba, Deputy Force Commander of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), the UN Secretary-General assures that the British, independent troops in Sierra Leone are "a stabilizing factor". He was in no position to say anything else. 

The UNAMSIL commander, Nigerian General Mohammed Garba, had criticized the British troops for the way they conducted a show of military strength this week in Sierra Leone. The commander was astonished over this demonstration against the RUF rebels/terrorists such short time after the signing of a ceasefire agreement. 

This night, the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, distanced himself from the critics, praising the importance of the British troops, which are in Sierra Leone backing the Government army and not as part of the neutral UN peacekeepers. Britain has refused to join the UN operation, which has suffered considerable setbacks, apparently fearing a long-term commitment to a dangerous war, according to an analysis by the British broadcaster BBC. 

In response to questions concerning comments made by Gen. Muhammad Garba on the British presence in Sierra Leone, the Secretary-General's Spokesman tonight said that Garba was not speaking on behalf of the Kofi Annan, who "has made it clear that he finds the British presence in the area a stabilizing factor." Eckhard, the UN Spokesman, added that the Annan hoped that "countries with advanced military systems would join the UN force or at the very least provide a rapid reaction capability when it was needed." 

Spokesman Eckhard however noted that General Garba, in comments made to the BBC, welcomed the British presence in the context of providing training to the Sierra Leone army, but that he had also expressed concern about timing of the exercise and its impact on the just concluded cease-fire accord.

Although the Office of the UN Secretary-General strongly would prefer the British to join the UN operation, it is in no position to criticize Sierra Leone's former colonial power. While the largest UN peacekeeping mission in the world is shrinking, despite plans to expand the troops, Britain has been able to strengthen its presence in Sierra Leone.

This week only, a taskforce of 500 Royal Marines arrived in Freetown to reinforce the British soldiers already training the Sierra Leonean military. Meanwhile, the UN is not able to recruit the 7,000 troops that are still missing in its operation, and the large Indian and Jordanian contingents are leaving Sierra Leone.

Thus, the UN is growing more dependent on the increasing British presence in Sierra Leone to achieve is goals. The British further are reported to be popular with most Sierra Leoneans, for their effective handling of the rebels and as there in general is little faith in the UN. 

British Government troops first intervened in Sierra Leone in May this year, after the capture of UNAMSIL troops by the RUF. British paratroopers in September raided a camp of the "West Side Boys" rebel group freeing six British military hostages and a Sierra Leonean soldier. This raid started what has led to the disintegration of the "West Side Boys".

The British Ministry of Defence quickly dismissed the criticism by UN General Garba, saying "the aim of the exercise was to demonstrate Britain's ability to react quickly in the country if need arose," according to the BBC. Given Britain's key position in Sierra Leone, one cannot expect any public statements by UN officials protesting against this statement.

Sources: Based on UN sources and BBC

© afrol.com. Texts and graphics may be reproduced freely, under the condition that their origin is clearly referred to, see Conditions.    You can contact us at mail@afrol.com