(Rapaport…December 31, 2001) Disarmament in Sierra Leone’s eastern diamond mining region hit another snag after a clash between rebels and progovernment fighters on December 19 and 20 left five soldiers dead and 40 wounded. Fighters in Tongo Field attacked each other with axes, stones and clubs, forcing residents to flee, and halted disarmament. The clashes reportedly were sparked by a disagreement over a date to renew a moratorium on diamond mining in the area. Combatants were supposed to be disarmed by the end of the month, but the deadline has been extended to January 6.
Rapaport Fair Trade
Rapaport Fair Trade