Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
The South African Government welcomes the signing of a cease-fire agreement in Lome, Togo, on 18 May 1999 between the Sierra Leonean Government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and Corporal Foday Sankoh, leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). The cease-fire is set to take effect on Monday 24 May 1999, with peace talks due to commence the following day. The delay in implementing the cease-fire is said to be to allow the news to reach all battlefield commanders by the set implementation date.
South Africa recognises the democratically-elected Government of President Tejan Kabbah, with his country a fellow member of the OAU and the Commonwealth. South Africa has also condemned the brutal campaign waged by the RUF rebels, including dismemberment, against the innocent population of Sierra Leone. The South African Government recognises the urgent need for all Sierra Leoneans to commence a dialogue aimed at national reconciliation in a country scarred by war. South Africa further appreciates the difficulties such a process may hold for elements of Sierra Leonean society, but believed this to be the only way in which the healing process of the deep rifts in their society may begin. The South African Government calls on all parties to this process to commit themselves to making the most of this historic opportunity.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
20 MAY 1999