Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

The civil war in Sierra Leone, which started in 1991 and lasted until 2002, was a result of the power struggle between the ruling All Peoples' Congress (APC) and those who viewed themselves as revolutionaries, represented mainly by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). The effect of this decade-long struggle was massive destruction of social, political, economic, biological, and religious environments of the country. By 2002, when the war was brought to an end, things had drastically fallen apart in Sierra Leone, with deplorable consequences for women and children especially. The dawn of Sierra Leonean independence, 1961–8, witnessed a strong tussle for power between two organized political parties, the All Peoples' Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP). The SLPP won the elections at independence under the leadership of Sir Milton Margai, with the APC the main opposing party. In 1964, Milton Margai died and was succeeded by his brother, Sir Albert Margai. Subsequently in 1967, the APC, under the leadership of Siaka Stevens, won the elections. His victory was stalled due to claims and counterclaims of victory by the two opposing parties until the military took over the reins of power while the political imbroglio ensued. The military held on to power until a coup by the rank and file restored civil rule with the appointment of Stevens as prime minister in 1968. ... log in or subscribe to read full text