SLPP hatching more plots to destabilize Sierra Leone, 2 credible papers report

Written by Cocorioko Newspaper Limited   

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

PHOTO : SLPP LEADER JOHN BENJAMIN  

 Another credible newspaper, THE STANDARD TIMES,  which has wriiten critical articles against the present government as well, also had a report on the 70 ex-combatants and the report reinforces the story in the NEW CITIZEN .Though the STANDARS TIMES  report did not name the SLPP,  it however confirmed that 70-ex-combatants were on the way to Freetown from the South/East. WE WILL REPRODUCE BOTH ARTICLES.

If the report had appeared in one of the recklessly-written tabloids in town, one would not have taken it seriously. But the NEW CITIZEN  is too credible a paper, especially when it is owned by no less a personality than the veteran journalist and Information and Communication Minister , Alhaji I.B. Kargbo, whom some opposition newspapers praised  before for never appearing in court to answer libel charges . STANDARD TIMES  is also another trustworthy newspaper ,whose Editor, Philip Neville , has stood up to every government in Sierra Leone.

This paper is not affirming that the story is true. However, we have learnt from America's experience with 9/11, and before that,  Charles Taylor's invasion of both Liberia and Sierra Leone that all security matters should be taken seriously. America received many red flags that its national security was being threatened by Al-Quieda , but the threats were downplayed. Similarly, late President Samuel K. Doe  received many reports,  at least a year before Taylor struck,  that diissident elements were plotting an incursion from Nimba County but the government treated the reports with levity, and we all know the dire consequences that resulted from such trifling with matters of national security. Whether true or false, security reports must be treated seriously , because often there is no smoke without fire.

We call on government to thorougly investigate this report in the NEW CITIZEN  newspaper, before it is too late. We dare say no more :

READ THE REPORT :

SLPP COUNCILOR DETAINED

Police in Kenema have arrested and detained Kailahun SLPP Councilor, Salim Ndomawa to explain why 70 ex-combatants were being transferred to Freetown.

He was also required to explain the mystery of why the 70 ex-combatants jumped out of the vehicle and disappeared into the nearby bush when they realized that the person who was interviewing them was a soldier in plain clothes.
Salim Ndomawa, a former ex-combatant in Kailahun and now SLPP Councilor said in Kenema that he was transporting the young men to Freetown as part of a GTZ repatriation programme.
Suspicion however arose when the 70 men jumped out of the vehicle and disappeared in to the nearby bush which suggested that the motive was not what was portrayed.
There is suspicion in Kenema that the ex-combatants may have been recruited for the purpose of creating a state of unrest in Freetown.
The Resident Minister of Kenema, William Juana Smith said that intelligence available to him suggests that some so-called politicians are in the process of recruiting ex-combatants and Kamajors for what plan they have described as a special mission.
Only yesterday, the Resident Minister, South, Musa Tarawallie complained that some people, politicians to be precise, have invited Kamajor leaders to Freetown as part of an exercise to recruit young men into the Kamajor cult of the Southern Province
According to the Resident Minister - South, Musa Tarawallie, there is no doubt anymore that so-called politicians are in the process of creating instability by recruiting and harming young men in the rural areas.
It is not known whether the UN Office in Freetown is aware of the gradual disintegration of the peace process.

THE STANDARD TIMES REPORT :

As 70 Ex-Combatants Heading to Freetown Disappear in Kailahun....GTZ Denies Any Involvement
Posted by on Mar 25, 2009, 12:02 Culled from The Standard Times Press Online

GTZ has temporarily suspended its Youth Resettlement and Reintegration Project from Freetown and Koidu to rural communities in Kono and Kailahun Districts, pending on an official investigation into the unfortunate hoax perpetrated by some unscrupulous individuals posing as GTZ returnees. This hoax was uncovered because of the diligent work of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, who discovered the group heading to Freetown. When asked who they were and what their mission was, they falsely declared that they were part of GTZ’s resettlement program.

First, the Project does not move any individuals or groups from Kailahun District to Freetown or from rural communities in Kono District to Koidu. Rather, the GTZ Youth Resettlement and Reintegration Project helps disenfranchised youth and their dependents trapped in poverty in Freetown and Koidu and wanting to return from Freetown and Koidu to their native rural communities to engage in productive agricultural and other income-generating activities. GTZ has a clear and accurate record of all those registered with the Project, both those who have already been resettled and those who are registered for resettlement and reintegration. The local authorities in their communities of origin are also provided with a list of all those who are registered to return to the communities.

GTZ is grateful that the Government of Sierra Leone, District Councils, the local authorities, and the Sierra Leonean police have been co-operative and helpful partners in this project, and would like to express gratitude to all those who have offered their time, expertise and support for this important effort to combat youth poverty, unemployment and food insecurity in Sierra Leone.

The GTZ Youth Resettlement and Reintegration project will resume once the official investigation into the apparent hoax is completed. GTZ is working with the Sierra Leonean authorities to try to uncover the perpetrators of this unfortunate incident

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 March 2009 )