U N I T E D N A T I O N S Department of Humanitarian Affairs Integrated Regional Information Network for West Africa
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IRIN-WA Weekly Roundup 20-97 of Main Events in West Africa covering the period 25-31 October 1997
[The weekly round-ups are based on relevant information from UN agencies, NGOs, governments, donors and media. IRIN issues these reports for the benefit of the humanitarian community but accepts no responsibility as to the accuracy of the original source. Please note IRIN-WA's daily round-up for Friday is included in this report.]
SIERRA LEONE: ECOMOG/AFRC meeting delayed
The first direct talks between the West African peacekeeping force ECOMOG and Sierra Leone's Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), scheduled for Friday, did not take place. No reason for the delay was given but sources said that they expected the talks to begin on Saturday. The talks follow the peace agreement signed in Conakry last week between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Five and the AFRC.
The peace plan provides for the restoration of ousted president Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in April 1998 and includes the following agreements: an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a monitoring and verification mechanism by ECOMOG and UN military observers to remain in force until 22 April 1998; disarmament and demobilisation of combatants between 1-31 December; the resumption of humanitarian aid on 14 November, monitored by the UN and ECOMOG (UN and ECOWAS sanctions will remain in force until 22 April 1998); the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons from 1 December; the reinstatement of the legitimate government and the creation of a broad-based government on 22 April 1998; and an unconditional amnesty for those involved in the May coup d'etat.
Kabbah reservations on peace accord
President Kabbah on Monday reportedly rejected an amnesty for the coup leaders and said that the six-month delay in restoring him to power was not acceptable. He added that he had not attended the talks in Conakry and was awaiting a full briefing on the agreements.
Commonwealth maintains suspension
The Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Edinburgh last weekend decided to maintain suspension of the AFRC from the Commonwealth pending the restoration of the legitimate government. It pledged to support ECOWAS efforts to resolve the crisis, including provision of technical and logistical support.
Ceasefire holding
The ceasefire in effect since the Conakry talks seems to have held throughout the country. However, an AFRC military spokesman on Thursday accused ECOMOG of "harrassing" Sierra Leonean soldiers passing through the checkpoint on the strategic Jui highway linking Freetown to the interior. He claimed that some soldiers "suggested military action to redress the situation" but had been talked out of taking such action. Civilians have also complained about the searches but a Nigerian officer was quoted as saying that they were "only being on the alert to stop dangerous weapons coming into the city". The Jui highway, closed for three weeks because of fighting, was re-opened on Tuesday.
A curfew, in place in the capital Freetown since May, was lifted on Monday and three journalists released. Residents who fled fighting and bomb attacks in Freetown are also reported to have started to return to their homes.
Crime on the increase
Local humanitarian sources told IRIN that the incidence of crime has risen in Freetown. 100 mt of relief food were looted from the NGO World Vision's warehouse and an European Union delegate's home was reportedly ransacked, along with UN compounds. Security patrols in various neighbourhoods has been beefed up as part of the "war on robbers" declared by AFRC leader Johnny Paul Koroma. AFP on Friday reported "rumours" that there would be a new wave of executions in the capital, where 10 soldiers charged with murder were executed earlier this week.
LIBERIA: Envoy to Libya appointed
Liberia has established diplomatic ties with Libya and appointed its ambassador to Libya, a communique announced on Monday. The government said its ties were based on economic interest. Liberian Foreign Minister Monie Captan said Liberia would not condemn Libya for its alleged involvement in the 1988 bombing of an American civilian plane in Scotland until those accused of the bombing were found guilty.
Taylor sets up human rights body
Liberian President Charles Taylor signed a bill earlier this week setting up the National Human Rights Commission. The commission is chaired by former Supreme Court Chief Justice, Hall Badio, and is empowered to investigate complaints by Liberians and foreigners of alleged violations of fundamental rights and liberties. Taylor was expected only to receive the bill and open it to public debate.
UN reduces Liberia Mission budget
The UN's Administrative and Budgetary committee on Thursday recommended and approved a reduction of US$ 9 million for the UN Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) for the period 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1998. UNOMIL was established by the UN Security Council in 1993.
NIGERIA: Commonwealth suspension to continue
The Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Edinburgh last weekend decided to maintain Nigeria's suspension from the organisation and warned that it faced expulsion if it failed to bring in a democratic system by October 1998. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group was empowered to invoke measures including visa restrictions, withdrawal of military attaches, an arms embargo, denial of educational facilities to members of the Nigerian regime and their families, a visa-based ban on all sporting contacts and a downgrading of cultural links and diplomatic missions before October 1998 if it felt such moves would encourage greater integrity with the process of democratic transition and respect for human rights. If Nigeria has not satisfactorily completed a credible programme to restore democracy and civilian rule by 1 October 1998, it will face expulsion and further measures, including a mandatory oil embargo, a ban on air links with Nigeria and freezing of finanacial assets of members of the regime.
However, Nigeria was praised for its positive contribution to efforts through ECOWAS in support of democratic rule within the West African region.
Reaction to Commonwealth decision
Human rights activists and Nigerian opposition members voiced "bitter" disappointment at the decision. The Canadian Prime Minister expressed disappointment at the lack of action against Nigeria, but British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the Commonwealth had taken "very very tough action". Nigerian Foreign Minister Tom Ikimi applauded the decision for what he described as an endorsement of the military government's plans to restore civilian rule.
Human rights campaigner arrested
The Nigerian authorities arrested a prominent human rights campaigner shortly after he returned to the country from Venezuela, where he attended an environmental conference. The whereabouts of the campaigner, Nnimmo Bassey, an official of the Lagos-based Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), are unknown.
Oil strike over
Nigerian oil workers in the export sector suspended a three-day strike on Thursday following agreement between the trade unions and the minister of petroleum resources. The minister promised that salary arrears would be paid and that the remaining salaries this year, including a productivity deal, would be paid promptly, state radio reported.
SENEGAL: Ninety-two die in fighting in Casamance
Twelve soldiers and 80 rebels were killed in the southern Casamance province from 29 to 30 October in what has been described by news organisations as the "biggest battle" ever between Senegalese soldiers and separatist rebels of the Mouvement des Forces Democratiques de la Casamance (MFDC). A military communique said seven soldiers were killed in an ambush on Wednesday around Guidel Bambadinka, close to the Guinea-Bissau border. Five others were killed on Thursday, four in a landmine blast. The fighting occurred in the traditional MFDC strongholds of Guidel, Babadinjka and Tamp, 20 to 40 km southeast of the regional capital, Ziguinchor. The area is reported to be heavily mined. On 25 October, two people were killed and three wounded in the same area when their vehicle hit a landmine.
Military sources told AFP that the recent clashes occurred when the rebels tried to reclaim the area, a key MFDC rear base which was overrun by the Senegalese army last week.
France calls for talks as rebels soften stance
The French government said on Friday that it "strongly" regretted the outbreak of violence in Casamance and called for talks to find a peaceful solution to the problem which would respect the territorial integrity of Senegal.
Meanwhile, the MFDC political leadership is ready to return to the negotiating table in order to "spare lives on both sides", Africa No 1 radio reported. However, a source close to the military told the Senegalese 'Nation' daily that negotiations only provided respite for the rebels to regroup and the army would pursue the MFDC to "extinction".
NIGER: US told not to meddle
Niger told the US to stop meddling in its internal affairs after the US State Department on Tuesday called for the release of two people imprisoned recently under a press law. Journalist Moussa Tchangari was jailed for publishing "official documents" earlier this month and human rights leader Bagnou Bonkoukou is serving a two-year sentence for allegedly insulting the head of state.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Idi Omar Ango accused leaders of two of the country's leading opposition parties of "soiling" Niger's image abroad and reminded them that the death penalty had not yet been abolished in Niger. The Mouvement National pour la Societe de Developpement (MSFD) and the Parti Nigerien pour la Democratie et le Socialism (PNDS), which belong to the opposition coalition Front pour la Restauration et la Defence de la Democratie (FRDD), have been campaigning for the release of Bonkoukou. Ango warned that the press laws would continue to be strictly enforced, Camel Express Telematique reported.
Tuareg turn in weapons
Seven Tuareg rebel groups and two Arab militias, representing some 5,200 fighters, began surrendering their weapons at a ceremony marking the beginning of the agreed disarmament of combatants. Prime Minister Cisse Amadou said this phase was "decisive" for the peace process. However, the l'Union des Forces de la Resistance Armee (UFRA) and the Forces Armees Revolutionnaires du Sahara (FARS) refused to participate until their members had received guaranteed jobs and the oil-rich Kawar zone "demilitarised". Some 20 rebels and 12 security personnel have been killed in renewed fighting with the two rebel groups.
The Interior Minister flew to Algeria on Tuesday to discuss the repatriation of thousands of Tuareg refugees from southern Algeria. AFP on Friday said an agreement had been reached with Algeria on border security and the movement of goods and people, but provided no further information on the repatriation of refugees.
BENIN: Teachers end strike
Primary school teachers in Benin trickled back to work on Friday morning, AFP reported. The three teachers' unions called a series of strikes at the beginning of this month in support of demands for improved benefits and regrading. On Tuesday, head of state Mathieu Kerekou signed a decree authorising a pay rise, partially meeting some of the teachers' demands. Meanwhile, the authorities warned on Thursday that any strike action without advance warning would result in automatic wage deductions.
THE GAMBIA: Commonwealth approved democratic transition
The Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Edinburgh "welcomed" The Gambia's transition to democratic rule. However, there was concern at the continued allegations of harassment and intimidation of the opposition and the government was urged to create of a more tolerant political environment.
TOGO: Human rights situation improved
The European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) trading partners meeting in the Togolese capital, Lome, said in a report issued on Tuesday that Togo's human rights situation had improved but remained "far from perfect". Some EU parliamentarians however remained critical of Togo's performance. The parliamentarians recommended the creation of an independent electoral commission for the next elections and equal access to the media.
Abidjan, 31 October 1997
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