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TEXT OF THE PUBLIC STATEMENT ISSUED FEBRUARY 9, 1999
The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone [IRCSL] hereby records its deep concern over the rebel activities of the recent past resulting in the massive destruction of life and property and the indescribable atrocities meted to the citizenry in the capital city of Freetown and the country at large. The council is alarmed at the brutality, inhumanity and barbarity unleashed by these rebels especially in the past five weeks.
The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone condemns unequivocally all such heinous activities and their perpetrators as they go against God's plan for mankind whom he made in his own image. Indeed, many Sierra Leoneans are now maimed, displaced, homeless, traumatized and left to mourn the loss by death of their relations and friends.
The members and leaders of the IRCSL express their heartfelt and deepest sympathy to all Sierra Leoneans particularly those directly affected. We hope and pray that God in his goodness comforts and consoles them in their hour of grief.
The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone furthermore wishes to record its gratitude to all patriotic Sierra Leoneans, groups and nations that have supported the people of this country in their quest for peace. Its unqualified thanks especially go to ECOMOG through ECOWAS, the Commonwealth of Nations, Britain, United States of America and the United Nations organization.
Throughout the eight years of this senseless war, the poor and defenceless civilians continue to suffer untold and unprecedented hardship. The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone is therefore heartened to learn from his excellency the president in his broadcast of Sunday 7th February, 1999 of his government's willingness once again to engage in purposeful dialogue that will lead to the final and lasting resolution of the crisis in Sierra Leone.
The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone urges the leadership and supporters of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) to demonstrate their sincerity of purpose and love for their country and its people by accepting the invitation of the president to meet among themselves and present their own agenda points so that this dialogue will start soonest.
The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone furthermore encourages members of the former afrc to take advantage of this initiative to ensure that lasting peace is achieved in the interest of all.
In this regard and in the meantime, the council appeals for the immediate cessation of hostilities by the rebels and all forms of violence in Sierra Leone.
The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone encourages all parties concerned: the government of Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, the RUF, the former AFRC and the civil society groups and indeed all Sierra Leoneans to be committed towards the full realization of lasting peace in Sierra Leone.
On its part, the Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone is willing and prepared to undertake/participate in those activities that will ensure that this noble objective of lasting peace is achieved.
The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone once again implores all Sierra Leoneans to give their support to this initiative of dialogue and to work towards the rebuilding of our beloved nation.
To this end, we pray that God continues to show mercy over this nation, direct and guide us as we move along this difficult road to peace.
May God bless Sierra Leone.
The map(s) is in the public domain, adapted from one(s) obtained the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, courtesy of The General Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.
