COMMENTARY
By Gbakanda Kamara in Norway
Reading the latest news from the special court and the evidences that have been given so far in that trial, it is clear that government in power is as culpable as any of the parties to the war in Sierra Leone.
Also a scenario similar to those in Congo, Rwanda and Angola is beginning to emerge. The former colonial masters of these countries have been very much involved in the dismantling of these inexperienced and semi- independent nation-states.
In all of these countries there have been mass killings or genocide in one form or the other. At the end of the day the former colonial masters have either distanced themselves or only given a simple “I am sorry “message" to those affected.
Also in all these countries it is clear that the main purpose for the former colonial master’s involvement is their greed and desire to continue to control and exploit the natural resources by having in place a puppet government.
The question educated or rather enlightened Sierra Leoneans must be asking now is why should Britain or the government of the united kingdom of “Great Britain" (a ’greatness’ acquired by enslaving and exploiting Africans, especially Sierra Leoneans, and countries that today form the so- called commonwealth) should not be taken to the international court of justice for their role in the war in Sierra Leone?
The first indictment against them is unlawfully aiding and abetting genocide in Sierra Leone. They, according to the evidence of their own army general David Richards assisted an unlawful and unconstitutional war machine to restore what they choose to call a democratic regime.
First question is had there ever been democracy in Sierra Leone, OR WAS THE PERIOD BETWEEN 1924 AND 1961 ENOUGH TO INSTILL DEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIC VALUES IN THE MINDS OF SIERRA LEOEANS?
If there had been then how can Norman, who helped in the first attempt to create an undemocratic regime in 1967(late Brigadier David Lansana’s Ah Sweh to mi mami martial regime)be so born again that he now has the capacity and capability to champion democracy in Sierra Leone?.
Next question is why a man (Ahmad Abayomi TEJANI) that had been indicted by a legal body and a judge (Justice Beoku Betts commission) recognized, at that time and even now, by Britain be the buddy of Britain to the extent that the government of that country supplied arms and ammunition for him to kill to regain power only to leave him alone and grab as the culprit the half-educated Hinga Norman?
I think Kabbah was and still is commander in chief of the armed forces (a position that constitutionally allows only the army, police and forces approved of by parliament to inflict state violence).
Was or had there been any parliamentary approval of the CDF? How can the head of state and commander -in -chief and state authorities in Sierra Leone be involved with unapproved/unconstitutional forces?
According to Gen. David Richards, they helped in the training of the CDF. The question is why the double standards? If the British government knew they were going to retrain the army why help train a parallel force? Next question is when and where? Because if such venture was undertaken during the period between 1997 -98 ,then the British government is culpable for aiding and abetting the breaking of the sanctions imposed on all warring factions during the AFRC interregnum.
The British parliament and government must come out with a statement on these questions otherwise some one will spill the beans.
To be contiuned
Photo: British Prime Minister Tony Blair
Comments