PRESS RELEASES Marking Another Anniversary of 25th May Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) Coup D’etat in Sierra Leone. Posted by on May 25, 2008, 23:33

Sunday 25^th May 2008 marks the 11^th anniversary of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) Coup d’etat in Sierra Leone. The coup saw the illegitimate overthrow of the democratically elected government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, after a year in office. It also saw for the first time in the history of the country, the invitation of the Revolutionary United Front [RUF] rebels, by the Sierra Leone Army (SLA) thus forming the AFRC].

The eventual outcome of this unholy alliance was widespread carnage and destruction. Hundreds of lives were lost, thousands displaced and millions worth of property looted and destroyed. ‘The Peoples’ Army’, as the rebels came to be known, wrecked immeasurable havoc on the ordinary citizens of the country. The days and months that followed are best left un-exhumed.

As a national non-governmental organisation desirous of promoting the ideals of good governance, peace, justice and accountability in Sierra Leone, Campaign for Good Governance [CGG] wishes to remind the general public of this red- lettered day in the calendar of the country’s political history. The reminder is to ensure that citizens reflect on the ugly incidents of the past, with a view to preventing a recurrence of such phenomena, even as we strive towards stability and democratic consolidation.

CGG therefore believes that if Sierra Leone and its people are to deter another ‘May 25’, the incidences of lawlessness, disrespect for the rule of law, corruption and other socio-economic and political vices should be shelved to incorporate the principles and practice of democracy.

CGG suggests that there is the need to honour the fallen heroes and heroines who lost their lives for the restoration of peace and democracy in our beloved land. They should always be honoured and respected for the significant role they played. Specifically highlighting the August 18 1997 incident where students lost their lives in the quest of peace and democracy. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

Finally, CGG hopes that Sierra Leoneans will spend the day reflecting and preparing to move the country forward with a positive change of attitude.

Campaign for Good Governance

Freetown.