RUF Invades Sierra Leone with Liberia's Support

March 23rd, 1991

March 23rd, 1991

RUF Invades Sierra Leone with Liberia's Support
How Long Ago?

33 years, 11 months, 20 days ago

Location

Sierra Leone

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

Sierra Leone Civil War

People
  • Foday Sankoh
  • Joseph Saidu Momoh
  • Charles Taylor
Links & References
Tags

RUF Invades Sierra Leone with Liberia's Support

On March 23, 1991, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), backed by the Special Forces of Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia, crossed into Sierra Leone with the intent of overthrowing President Joseph Saidu Momoh. Their invasion marked the beginning of an 11-year civil conflict characterized by brutal violence and human rights abuses. The RUF aimed to exploit Sierra Leone's diamond wealth, seeking both political power and control of resources.

RUF invaded to overthrow Joseph Saidu Momoh

Conflict lasted 11 years with severe human rights abuses

Liberia's Charles Taylor supported the RUF invasion

Diamond control played a key role in the conflict

What Happened?

The Revolutionary United Front (RUF), formed in 1991, originated from dissent against the corrupt government of Sierra Leone led by President Joseph Saidu Momoh. Seeking to change the political landscape, the RUF, under the leadership of Foday Sankoh, initiated its campaign with the assistance of Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia. Their invasion from Liberia into Sierra Leone on March 23 resulted in a violent uprising, exploiting widespread discontent among the populace who were suffering from poverty and lack of services. The cross-border support from Taylor’s forces marked a significant turning point in regional dynamics, signaling an interconnected struggle for power across West Africa.

The conflict, labeled the Sierra Leone Civil War, gained notoriety for its extreme brutality, including the use of child soldiers and rampant human rights violations such as amputations as a method of terrorizing the civilian population. As the war waged on, it drew in various international actors and humanitarian organizations, responding to the dire human conditions created by the conflict. The pursuit of diamond resources intensified the war, as control over these valuable commodities became paramount for funding militia activities. Over time, the RUF engaged in complex alliances and rivalries with other factions, which further complicated efforts toward peace.

The Sierra Leone Civil War officially continued until 2002, concluding after significant international intervention, including the deployment of United Nations peacekeeping forces. Following the war, extensive efforts were launched towards reconciling the nation, demonstrating the challenges faced in post-conflict recovery and the long-lasting impacts of warfare on societal structures.

Why Does it Matter?

The invasion by the RUF is significant due to its role in igniting an 11-year civil war that devastated Sierra Leone and drew attention to the issues of state failure, resource exploitation, and regional instability in West Africa. It produced a humanitarian crisis that prompted international discourse on the responsibilities of global powers in conflict zones.

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