UK Troops in Sierra Leone: No Plans to Draw UK into Civil War

Strategic Insights -

The UK is maintaining its presence in Sierra Leone, despite growing opposition fears of "mission creep". Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has stated that British troops will stay no longer than necessary, while the government's chief opponent, Charles Taylor, is negotiating for financial aid and an end to the arms embargo against his government. Meanwhile, British military chiefs are opposed to the idea of allowing the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) to administer areas it controls, fearing it would perpetuate the conflict and hold the country hostage.

Key Takeaways:

  • UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has stated that there is no question of UK troops being drawn into the civil war in Sierra Leone.
  • 700 British paratroopers are expected to remain in Sierra Leone until next month, with no plans to take over the UN mission.
  • British military chiefs oppose the idea of allowing the RUF to administer areas it controls, fearing it would perpetuate the conflict.
  • Charles Taylor, the Liberian president and RUF's chief foreign backer, is negotiating for financial aid and an end to the arms embargo against his government.
  • 139 of an estimated 500 UN peacekeepers being held by rebels have been released, brokered by Charles Taylor.
  • British military chiefs believe that allowing the RUF to administer areas it controls would detract from the need to cut off the RUF from the diamond mines that fund its war.
  • Oluyemi Adeniji, the UN representative in Freetown, appears to support the idea of allowing the RUF to administer areas it controls.
  • General Sir Charles Guthrie, chief of Britain's defence staff, stated that Sierra Leone had made no formal request for arms from the UK.

Statistics:

  • 139 UN peacekeepers have been released from rebel captivity.
  • 700 British paratroopers are expected to remain in Sierra Leone until next month.
  • 500 UN peacekeepers are being held by rebels.
  • The RUF controls areas in Sierra Leone that are funded by diamond mines.

Sources:

  • "UK troops in Sierra Leone: No plans to draw UK into civil war, says Hoon". The Guardian, 20 February, 2000.
  • "Sierra Leone: Rebels free 139 UN peacekeepers held since January". The Guardian, 20 February, 2000.
  • "Taylor asks US and Britain to end arms embargo". The Guardian, 20 February, 2000.
  • Crisis in Sierra Leone, page 4.