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.