Sierra Leonean rebels renew attacks

Briefing notes

Sierra Leonean rebels renew attacks

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

12 March 1999

Several thousand people have moved into refugee camps near Forécariah for safety after Sierra Leonean rebels attacked a town inside Guinea on Monday, 8 March, killing several people, including one refugee. The raid happened near the town of Pamelap, a main entry point for refugees from Sierra Leone.

The cross-border attack and the desperate situation in Kambia, in northern Sierra Leone, have raised concern among UNHCR staff that much larger numbers of refugees might flee to Guinea. UNHCR has registered almost 4,000 refugees since Monday, and Guineans who fled their homes have moved into camps as well.

The camps in Forécariah sheltered 51,000 Sierra Leoneans before the latest incident. An equal number of people are reportedly living in extremely difficult conditions in Kambia.