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RUF demands rebels in exchange for soldiers

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

The Indian Army is pinning its hopes on the Sierra Leone government, regional powers and fate, to secure the release of its soldiers held hostage in the western African nation. The rebels have demanded the release of their leaders in exchange for the soldiers. The Lome peace accord, which the soldiers had gone to implement, has almost collapsed.

The rebels' demand means that 213 United Nations peacekeepers, including the 21 Indian soldiers held hostage, and 11 military observers are now under renewed threat.

On Wednesday, commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force, Major General Vijay Kumar Jaitley, got in touch with a field commander of the RUF, but was not able to make a breakthrough in the deadlock.

Indian Army sources in New Delhi admit, "We don't know what more we can do. The real powers who can secure the release of our soldiers must be prodded by the UN to intervene effectively." He pointed out that India is continuing with its 'diplomatic efforts'.

The Indian soldiers have been held hostage for more than a month now. But, two managed to escape. About a week back, the soldiers were stripped of their weapons. An Indian Army medical officer who met them on Monday reported that they were in good shape.

"The Sierra Leone government has to take the initiative. Else, regional powers, like Liberia, should intervene to ensure our soldiers' safe return," army sources insist. Liberia has close ties with the RUF rebels.

According to available information, there are 120 political detainees in the custody of the government, including several RUF leaders. They are being held in Pademba Road prison under heavy security.

A spokeswoman told BBC that RUF would only negotiate the release of the troops after the government released its members, including leader Foday Sankoh. She said their future "will be decided by the government of Tejan Kabbah."

At the same time, tension between the rebels and the UN peacekeepers is on the rise. The rebels clashed with Jordanian peacekeepers at Magbele village, which the rebels attacked and burnt down. On Tuesday night, they clashed with government forces in Lunsar.

As tension mounts in the interiors, over 45,000 villagers have began to migrate out of Makeni and Magburaka to Mile 91, according to the UN spokesman in New York. With the assistance of peacekeepers, several volunteers working in the country have rushed in humanitarian assistance to the people.

A new World Bank Report by its director of the economic department Paul Collier has pointed out that the capture of diamond mining areas by the RUF and the sale of diamonds abroad is one of the main reasons for the renewed fighting in the country.

Britain, meanwhile, is set to complete the withdrawal of its para-troopers. The last batch of 1000 soldiers was to leave on Thursday.

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