wfn.org | Lutherans Continue Aid in Sierra Leone

[Brenda Williams <BRENDAW@elca.org>]

Reply-To: ElcaNews <ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG>
ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF

December 4, 1997

ACT STILL WORKING IN SIERRA LEONE

Action by Churches Together (ACT) activities in
Sierra Leone were severely disrupted by the coup
that occurred in May 1997.  ACT is a worldwide
network of churches, including the Lutheran World
Federation, meeting human need through coordinated
emergency response.  The duly-elected government
of Sierra Leone was displaced by a coup led by a
group of junior military officers, leading to a
violent spiral of civil strife and political
chaos.  Months later, the conflict remains
unresolved.  Neighboring countries have condemned
the coup and imposed an economic blockade against
Sierra Leone in an effort to get the
democratically-elected government restored to
power. ACT continues to provide seeds, tools and
food.  This has meant crossing between the
different groups involved in the conflict to
ensure food aid reaches those who need it most,
ACT reports.  Food aid stocks in the country are
running low and the embargo, while permitting
humanitarian aid, has prevented delivery of
replacement stocks.  Many groups have been
organized to repair houses, roads and community
buildings, ACT reports.  A survey will assess the
existence and condition of seed storage
facilities. Work is underway to provide equipment
to enable skilled people to carry out essential
work.  Trauma counseling workshops assist church
communities to examine the root cause of conflict
within their society and assist people to live
together in harmony.  New activities revolve
around fishing equipment, seed storage
rehabilitation and income generation.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or
NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html