What did the RUF do in Sierra Leone?

What did the RUF do in Sierra Leone?

The RUF is a loosely organized force that fought a ten-year civil war to seize control of the lucrative diamond-producing regions of the country. The group funds itself largely through the extraction and sale of diamonds obtained in areas of Sierra Leone under its control.

How did the RUF punish the people of Sierra Leone?

In response to the immediate execution of rebels by government forces, the RUF instituted a policy of cutting off the hands of captured soldiers with the intent of sending the message: “You don’t hold your weapon against your brother.” Brandishing machetes, RUF rebels amputated the hands, arms, and legs of tens of …

What issues created the conflict in the civil war in Sierra Leone?

The sale of Sierra Leone’s diamonds came to be known as ”conflict diamonds,” financing a civil war that would see 50,000 civilians killed and millions displaced. One major cause of the continued war was the government, already dealing with corruption and a failing economy, could not defend itself.

What is the biggest problem in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone has been a nation plagued with civil wars and poverty since gaining independence in 1961. Despite being one of the few countries in the world that has precious natural resources such as diamonds and rare minerals, this nation continues to suffer from extreme poverty.

What is the connection between conflict diamonds and child soldiers?

Fueling Civil Wars Rival groups also fight with each other to control diamond-rich territory. The tragic result is bloodshed, loss of life, and shocking human rights abuses – from rape to the use of child soldiers. Diamonds that fuel civil wars are often called “blood” or “conflict” diamonds.

Why did RUF use child soldiers?

Children are chosen to be soldiers because they are easily manipulated. They are more loyal and obedient than adults and they are far less likely to revolt. They also do not require wages, making them a cheap alternative to traditional soldiers.

What is the conflict in Sierra Leone?

During the first year of the war, the RUF took control of large swathes of territory in eastern and southern Sierra Leone, which were rich in alluvial diamonds….Sierra Leone Civil War.

How many child soldiers died in the Sierra Leone civil war?

The U.N. estimates that 10,000 child soldiers were used in Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war. During it rebels cut off the arms of those who had voted in the country’s elections, and left more than 50,000 people dead.

What is wrong with Sierra Leone?

Pollutants and poor sanitation are attributed to some of the health problems in the country. Sierra Leone is one of the toughest countries to survive in. The average life expectancy for a Sierra Leonean is only 56 years. Poor sanitation generates high risk of hepatitis A and Typhoid fever.

What are some issues in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone has held regular multiparty elections since the end of its civil war in 2002. However, opposition parties have faced police violence and restrictions on assembly. Civic groups are constrained by onerous regulations and government corruption remains pervasive.

Is Blood Diamond based on real story?

The diamond industry is abuzz over the new film Blood Diamond, a fictional account of rebel militias in Sierra Leone fueling a bloody civil war through the sale of the precious gems. He promises to help a poor black fisherman find his kidnapped son in exchange for help locating the gemstone.

What was the armed conflict in Sierra Leone?

The Armed Conflict in Sierra Leone. The devastating eleven-year armed conflict in Sierra Leone was characterized by extreme brutality and widespread human rights abuses against civilians. The majority of the crimes were perpetrated by rebels from the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).

What happened in Sierra Leone in 1997?

Revolutionary United Front rebels patrol through downtown Freetown on June 7, 1997. The devastating eleven-year armed conflict in Sierra Leone was characterized by extreme brutality and widespread human rights abuses against civilians.

How did Sierra Leone get involved in the illegal diamond trade?

The result was that illegitimate diamonds were diverted from the high security cites and taken to Liberia and an illegal diamond pipeline between Sierra Leone and Liberia was born. The government seeming took further unintentional steps to increase illegal mining when in passed the Alluvial Mining Scheme in 1956.

How do they mine blood diamonds in Sierra Leone?

Blood Diamonds: The Conflict in Sierra Leone. The first step in mining a kimberlite pipe is to dig the pit. In “open-pit” or “open-cast” mining, the layers of rock are dug up and eventually tunnels and pipe are build so the hard ore material can be removed with large hydraulic shovels and trucks.