Date: Wednesday, 24-Jan-96 02:40 PM

Date: Wednesday, 24-Jan-96 02:40 PM
From: Osman Sankoh \ Internet:
(sankoh@amadeus.statistik.uni-dortmund.de)
To: Saffa J. Kemokai \ PRODIGY: (GUGP07A)

Subject: Weima and the RUF's agreement

Wed Jan 24 15:22:08 1996 James A. Weima wrote:

> Isheka,
> I can't confirm RUF's agreement to an unconditional talk with the
> NPRC but if this is true,I can tell you this much:
> Foday Sankoh,leader of RUF made it abundantly clear on TV (I recorded
> it) that he was getting his supplies from the enemy.Assuming that
> what he said is true,I would be forced to argue that the enemy from
> whom he has been getting the supplies is the present NPRC
> government otherwise,why now after almost five years of fighting?
> He either has to agree to talk with this government or he runs out of
> supplies in a short period of time.What do you think could happen to
> him and his men?
> Regards.
> Andy James

Andrew,

There is another explanation: it is reported that the RUF and Strasser bargained a deal before ousting J.S. Momoh. Strasser didn't abide by the conditions after he tasted the sweetness(?) of the office. This is why the RUF didn't even believe all his offers. With Strasser out and with the possibility that Bio will likely honour a deal - that is recognise the role of the RUF in pushing Momoh out - it shouldn't be surprising to hear the wonderful offers from the RUF.

I am not inclined to subscribe to such unconfirmed reports. However, I can't but ooze out some rethorical questions: the RUF wanted Momoh out. Strasser et al. did this. Why didn't the RUF and the NPRC strike a compromise all along? Why did the NPRC decide to persecute the war all along? One would say: Strasser did ask Foday Sankoh to stop fighting immediately after he (Strasser) took over power. Another would say: Foday Sankoh rejected Strasser's offer because Strasser had already announced a cabinet before wanting to talk to Foday. But if this is true, why is there some positive response from the RUF even after Bio announced a cabinet that doesn't include the RUF? (Or does it?)

Let us welcome peace and pray for the dead - our relatives and friends who have lost their lives and let us help the sick and the wounded in our little ways. But there is hardly any justification for all the atrocities. My mother called from Freetown and asked me to buy a bag (50Kg) of rice for her - it is now going at Le18 - 21,000!!! I told her to ask my brother who has just graduated from FBC. "Osman, Andrew is paid about Le30,000 a month. We are already 8 in your apartment. Don't forget that Mallam O. Jnr. is here too! ..." Her time (money)was up!

Mallam O.