On Fri, 21 Nov 1997 AFP reported:

DISCLAIMER: My piece below is not a "pro" or "con" piece vis-a-vis the RUF/AFRC or Mr. Kabba and his government in exile.

The AFP report above is one of a series of what I wish to refer to as a rhetorical nslaught coming out of Freetown over the past several weeks. A rhetorical onslaught is a popular strategy used to pre- disposition an audience to potential persuasion harbouring around the intensity of a "conversion." Any well-orchestrated rhetorical onslught depends heavily on rhetorical timing as well.

Why the observation above? The RUF/AFRC has been coming out with a very strong information/campaign blitz that locates the regime in a situation which tends to elevate it through a reporting of its "rational" decisions in terms of responding to criminal behaviour ranging from corruption to armed aggression by even its cohorts against innocent individuals -- battery and murder charges. Reports have been circulated about the determination to keep to the time timetable of the Conakry Accord particularly with regard to disarming youths across the warring factions; locating the AFRC within a constitutionally recognized institution called the "army" of the Republic of Sierra Leone; a clear and determined posture aimed at upstaging President in terms of who-has-the-best-concern-and- interest-of-the-nation by sustaining and refocussing an accusation of blatant theft and sale of a highly priced diamond by the President to satisfy his needs while the nation suffers; and now, after months of darkness, bring light (literally and figuratively) to the nation! All of the components of this onslaught, well-timed in their delivery just months before the final handover could predisposition Sierra Leoneans not only towards respecting the efforts of the regime, but more importantly, denigrating the intentions and person of the President who is to assume his office. This strategy builds a basis for comaprisons and contrasts between the regime (during and after its anticipated departure) and Mr. Kabba

It is hard not to wonder what is going on with the Kabba machinery against the background of such an onslaught. Even though pundits and others could try to let us "see" why what is taking is indeed taking place, we can not be so sure about the overall impact of this onslaught on the average Sierra Leonean tired of suffering and longing for some semblance of normalcy. Actions such as those mentioned above clearly point toward seeking to bring about "normalcy" and create an environment that says loudly: even in the worst of circumstances certain things could get done!

Imagine after the return of Kabba, the intense pressures on maintaining this momemtun no matter how manipulative at this time, to keep hope alive that indeed no matter how critical the situation he could deliver! It may be very necessary for Mr. Kabba and his group to consider strongly organizing a rhetorical onslaught that is equally well-timed that does not only address concrete and tangible results such as bringing "light" where there was darkness, but of most significance, purifying an image that had been tarnished even in the eyes of those who argue for his return not because of who he is, but rather because of the inetgrity of the constitutional process that should guide the ship of state to its ultimate destiny -- ensuring the rights of everyone to choose who leads them, and the sanctity of the interests of our nation. The issue of accepting kabba for who he is -- the person called Tejan Kabba who is our leader -- is of crucial importance in terms of a potential situation that may call for indeed a comaprison between Kabba and the regime.

Failure to organize a rhetorical onslaught in a serious and professional manner, may result in a situation in which the average Sierra leonean (don't ask me what this means) may find himself or herself saying after he returns: "Den AFRC people den do w.....oh!" Never understaimate the power of rhetorical onslaught and rhetorical timing. We live under their grips on a daily basis in the United States and perhaps the rest of the western world! This forum manifests in so many ways the results of the daily onslaught doused on us by our host or adopted nations. Mr. Kabba, what are you waitng for? Any "secret schemes" being "worked out" that will "[pay] off"? Please excuse typos.

Fraternally,

Cecil