After setbacks suffered in May, the United
Nations operation in Sierra Leone has acted "assertively" to
reinforce its hold on strategic areas and access roads, and dealt "decisively"
with an armed group harassing civilians and blocking humanitarian aid,
according to Secretary-General Kofi Annan's latest report released today
at UN Headquarters in New York.
In his report to the Security Council,
the Secretary-General says that despite some improvements, the situation
in the war-torn West African country remains "dangerous and volatile."
The report characterizes the threat posed by the Revolutionary United Front
(RUF) as a matter of "grave concern," with the rebel group continuing
its attacks on the UN mission and pro-government forces and showing "no
credible sign" that it is ready to resume the peace process.
Bringing an end to the Sierra Leonean crisis, the Secretary-General writes, will require the disarmament and reintegration of all combatants, the restoration of Government authority throughout the country, the establishment or strengthening of main institutions -- including democratically accountable armed forces and a national police force -- and the holding of democratic elections.
The Secretary-General notes, however, that it appears unlikely that in the short term such objectives can be met through either political or military means alone. The preferred collective approach, he argues, should be to concentrate efforts for a political solution based on a robust and credible international military presence.
"It is evident that the Mission's presence remains indispensable for this purpose, and I recommend, therefore, that the mandate of UNAMSIL, which expires on 7 August 2000, be extended for another six months," the Secretary-General writes. At the same time, Mr. Annan reiterates his conviction that it will be necessary to further strengthen UNAMSIL to enable it to fulfil new tasks.
The enhancement of the mission's strength, however, would ultimately depend on the willingness of Members States to make the necessary well-trained and well-equipped troops available to the UN, as well as on the support of the troop contributors, according to the report.
The report also draws attention to the continuing suffering of Sierra Leoneans from the ongoing fighting in many parts of the country, and voices deep concern over reports of abductions, rape and sexual abuse, destruction and looting of civilian property, and forced recruitment of children.
Fully supporting efforts to hold accountable and prosecute those responsible for such crimes, Mr. Annan calls upon all parties in Sierra Leone to stop violating human rights and to end the culture of violence that pervades in the country.