wfn.org | Sierra Leone Update

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (149
notes).

Note 149 by UMNS on June 10, 1997 at 15:39 Eastern (2471 characters).

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT: Thomas S. McAnally                       337(10-71B){149}
         Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470             June 10, 1997

Situation in Sierra Leone's
capital city remains grave

                 by United Methodist News Service

     The situation in Sierra Leone's capital city of Freetown is
still "grave," according to a report from United Methodist Bishop
Joseph Humper and the Rev. John Yambasu, director of Christian
Education and Youth Ministries for the Sierra Leone Annual
Conference.
     In a June 10 telephone conversation with Ray A. Buchannan of
the Society of St. Andrew, Humper said fighting in the city has
subsided but looting and raping continues.  Food is extremely
scarce.  What rice remains has doubled in price.  The bishop said
responding to requests for help has left him "drained."
     Humper said he and other religious leaders in Freetown are
acting as the "voice of the nation."  Regardless of the
consequences, he said they are striving to restore justice and a
democratically-elected government.
     The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone has met four times
with top leaders of the coup, asking them to step down and allow
the return of the country's president.  Leaders of the coup have
refused, asking the religious leaders for two years to establish
their government.
     According to Humper, the council has firmly stated they want
the rebels out of the country and a return of democratic
leadership.
     Yambasu said the atmosphere in Freetown is "tense."  Few
shops can open for fear of looting.  The Sierra Leone National
Bank and the National Treasury Building have been burned.  Looting
is the worst since the war began.  Even ocean freight containers
at the key ports have been ransacked.
     According to Yambasu, three out of five people on the street
are carrying automatic weapons but all are in civilian clothes. It
is impossible to tell rebel from soldier, he said.  The men asked
United Methodists to keep the church in Sierra Leone in their
prayers.
     The Society of St. Andrew is a program that gathers surplus
food to feed the hungry.
     United Methodists may contribute to relief in Sierra Leone by
designating gifts to Advance No. 982450-8 Sierra Leone.
                              #  #  #

     

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