Murtala Mohammed Kamara, AfricaNews repoter in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Freetown witnessed the worst atrocities in human history exactly 12 years ago when rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and rebellious soldier invaded the capital. The invasion lasted for a week and few days but the suffering was untold. Hundreds were amputated, a quarter of the capital was burnt down and many more were raped.
Over three thousand people were killed.
AfricaNews' reporter who came very close to death reminisces: “I never imagine this will happen in my life time. Part of my family flees for safety in the West end of Freetown. Myself, my mother, elder brother had to stay behind. I was always sure that the ECOMOG forces would be able to protect the city not until the early hours of January 6th 1999. Sporadic gun shots were heard. We had the rebels shouting that they had arrived and will kill all those that were not in support of them. Few minute later, a house 3 blocks from ours was burnt down and people shouting for their lives.”
“Caught between life and death, we started reciting Quantico verses whiles waiting for our ‘turn’.” Murtala Mohamed Kamara said. He said their family compound was later burnt down and back of it used as a mass grave before the city was liberated. He said he hopes to write a book on his experience from that war. “January 6th changed my life forever, we had to start all over again...”
Degauleh Juana another Sierra Leonean shares his experience on this day said: “On that day my 'Little daughter' Kaata was ushered by RUF/AFRC gang to sing 'Peace don kam' right in the heart of Town, PZ. And the Nigerian Alfa jet, mistaken to be rebels, bombed her. She died on the 7th Jan 1999. I braved it at Connaught that evening when I was told my daughter was seen at Connaught among the pile of bodies.
She wasn't dead when I reached her, her abdomen was opened and she put all her entrails back.I tried in vain to get a vehicle to any private hospital. I slept in the open air with rebels right in front of Connaught gate chatting with rebels. In front of me a man was beaten to death purported to be a kamajor. No gun was used. I shall never forget Jan 6, 1999” he said.
Alhaji Jusu Jaka whose hands were both amputated urge Sierra Leoneans to continue to forgive and forget. Jaka whom’s hands where both amputated whiles trying to save her daughter from being raped reminded Sierra Leone not to forget this day.
The city was later liberated by Nigerian led ECOMOG force but the war continued until 2002 following series of negotiations.
Freetown witnessed the worst atrocities in human history exactly 12 years ago when rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and rebellious soldier invaded the capital. The invasion lasted for a week and few days but the suffering was untold. Hundreds were amputated, a quarter of the capital was burnt down and many more were raped.
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