Glenn Elert
bent | chaos | eworld | facts | physics
E-World -- Sierra Leone, et al.
© 1987-2008 by Glenn Elert (except where indicated)
All Rights Reserved -- Fair Use Encouraged
First-hand account of a February 1998 rebel attack as told by the Reverend Jim Tulley -- a Catholic priest with the Xaverian Missionaries in Sierra Leone. Additional stories on his evacuation to Guinea and the kidnapping of fellow missionaries in the Northern Province. Articles reproduced here are intended for educational, non-commercial use only. Copyrights are held by the authors.
I wish it were my turn for the family letter because do I have a story to tell!! I hope that you have been following the work of the West African Peace Keeping Army (ECOMOG). After a failure of the 23 October Peace Accord -- a failure on both sides -- ECOMOG proceeded to attack Freetown and drive the coup leaders out, but this has set off a horrible reaction of the junta forces throughout the country. Lunsar was attacked first. All four Catholic houses were totally looted as well as the big Baptist Eye Clinic. The ruthless way the missionaries were handled was foreshadowed in the four days of fighting in Freetown. When ECOMOG began their attack -- the junta forces (the combined forces of the Army and rebels) attacked the Catholic Cathedral to steal all the vehicles and whole house was ransacked They held the African bishop and 2 priests at gun point (AK-47).
When the junta forces attacked the Catholic hospital, they captured 7 missionaries -- mostly doctors and nurses of the Brothers of St. John of God. On our radio frequency, the diocesan parish priest kept us informed. Each night he would take the radio and sleep in a village. Finally his place was also ransacked He is a young priest and has the character and strength to handle it well. As he said, even all his knickers were taken! All he has is the clothes on his back
Magburaka is 60 miles from Lunsar, but even we began to prepare a little. I was able to give for safe keeping a few things that I had and some project money that I handle. But I wasn't ready for them when they came. It was almost midnight when Fr. Piero, and I heard the two pickups.
The junta forces -- now deposed in Freetown -- were on a rampage in the big towns. We were the first. They began hollering, demanding we open the gate to let them in. I went to the church bell as we agreed upon to let the Christians know. Some came but when faced with twenty rebels half well armed, they ran when told to go.
The next hour and ten minutes were hell. We were helpless. They wanted our two vehicles. Since we had taken off all the tires, were told them we do not have the tires. They broke into all the stores, then they said we must have the tires in our house. I Felt like a Raggedy Andy just being drawn here and there as they began ransacking the rooms. Once I opened my bedroom door, I know the worse was upon me -- it only began with 3 rebels, but after the hour, I think over 12 entered each taking what they wanted I couldn't hide everything. When one soldier picked up the short wave radio that Marianne and Sig gave me, I begged that it be given back to me --only to be taken by another soldier!!
I tried to hide the watch Margaret gave me and that only attracted more the attention of another soldier and he took it. I had tried to hide all the CDs for the new computer, but they found them and took the little travel bag, probably not even knowing what a computer is. And those fine new traveling bags I got at Caldor's on sale were seized and filled with my clothes and new shoes that Mary-Alice got me and yes even all my underwear.
When they finally left I was exhausted, everything was turned upside down. The Christians and neighbors all came to tell us "sorry". They kept us company for an hour. I was so exhausted and almost disoriented. I didn't sleep all night. The next day I began to clean my room -- only then realized how much they had stolen -- my mind went to my passport which I could not find. What a loss that would be. But as I cleaned the mess I found my papers on the floor. A great blessing in the middle of all this confusion.
All day I was in a daze. Now the problem: When will they come back? The pickups were still there. Nothing happened to us but we found out that the Catholic institutions in Makeni had the same problem! Rebels looking for vehicles.
Tuesday morning I was the main celebrant at mass 6:55 AM and then the unexpected happened. At 7:10 AM there was great shouting and even the chant of the traditional hunters called Kamajo. We actually finished mass -- the 50 Christians were terrified and none were dry eyed including me. Could our liberation be near? The rebels have been in control in Magburaka since May 30!
But after one hour, the few Kamajo who had planned the attack were repelled It seems 5 were killed and their ammunition was low. The Kamajo had hoped to meet other groups of Kamajo but didn't. As they retired the Junta forces, rebels and soldiers began their rampage in full swing. I gathered a few things and ran into the village of Mamonu. We have many Christian there, and it is about one-half miles from our house. Usually the rebels are afraid to enter the villages because they may find Kamajo hunters there. Fr. Piero waited another hour. He arrived around 12 noon. We settled near a farm house and tried to stay quiet. All the people -- men, women and children -- left Magburaka, each family looking for old farm houses to set up a camp in the forest.
We decided to sleep in Mamqua village, and I stayed hidden in a camp all day. By Wednesday, we were better organized and even had prayers in the small village chapel of Christ the King. The town had men come with rice for us and six of the closest friends decided to assist us -- Henry Bangura, who is well known in Mamonu, Joseph Thombi, Mohammed Kamanog, Peter Kamara and Alie Gbla and Peter Swaray.
The news each day from Magburaka was bad. Four times a day groups went to the Catholic Mission to steal everything --and sad to say some youths stayed to assist them. Our house is now totally ransacked and my room has only my books left. Thank God, they didn't burn them. We did not have much in our store rooms but in the big store we had all the harvests from the St. Vincent de Paul to care for the poor for the year --21 bushels of rice. I also had the family rice of 3 people for safe keeping In the seven years of rebel war, they never destroyed a mosque or church, so the people thought that we would be safe. But now they wanted vehicles -- they finally got all the missing parts. It took them a week, but they stole the 3 vehicles -- the good pickup and car and an old pickup that barely goes. I know it will not take them far.
To make things worse, as the ECOMOG entered Kamaro and Bo this week, there was no other way to go then the rebels from there to come to Magburaka. Each day new groups came with no where to go. Makeni and Lunsar has been ransacked and the road to Kono has Kamajo hunters. Three days ago, Tuesday the 24th, a rumor came to Mamonu that some "People's Army" the former RUF rebels were looking if we carried away money or anything valuable. We decided not to risk the people, so the six of us got up at 5 AM to go deeper into the bush where no one will know where we are. It was dark I've went a mile and then waited for sunrise at 6:30. We reached a good camp, but others were there so we moved ahead a little. We found a nice quiet place and have been here 3 days.
I sent Alie Gbla to Pa Poke Kamara who is hiding near Matatoka. He said that I can go there and I'll be safe. We also sent a youth to Makeni to get word to the Fathers in the Pastoral Centre and to get word from them. This week (Friday 27 February) many went back to Magburaka, but the junta forces are still going house to house selling whatever they want -- but most was stolen -- now it is goats, sheep and chickens. They are sad to say looking for 3 teenage girls that were taken from our street this week War brings out the worst evil in people. But also a sense of togetherness and community. As they say, we get to know your neighbor in situations like that. Within on hour of our new hiding place, the church leader of Magbaki came with a group bringing us rice, palm oil and a chicken They also sent us a foam mattress so that we could a little better. Even in their poverty, they have a great sense of sharing and helping others who have nothing.
Last Friday at about 1:00 PM a youth, Fr. Piero sent to Makeni, returned from Makeni. He brought news about the missionaries. All of them are at the Pastoral Center. There are about forty of them and they stay inside the complex so as not to be molested by the rebels who control the whole city.
Soon afterwards the church leader with two friends arrived from Matatoka. After they read my letter which I sent, and they decided that they' should come to collect us to bring us to the Matatoka area. Matatoka, itself is completely empty. People are living in the villages but since they are protected by hunters, the rebels are afraid to go to the villages. I was so impressed that they came all the way -- 8 miles through the rush path. After talking with Piero, and hearing many rumors that the rebels will start visiting the villages, I decided to go with them. Piero decided to go to another place in the bush a little more secluded
We left at 2:30 PM -- the hottest part of the day -- we were like an old fashioned safari. They carried a folding chair which is one of the few items we were able to take from the house before everything was stolen. We started out covering the trek of 8 miles in the hot bolilands -- not a shade in sight as well as no village. As we got closer to the Pompano River. the trees increased and we passed 2 villages. The people who ran from Magburaka were also in these villages all greeting me with their main word of support "tank yo" it means "sorry" but also a lot more. Here the only way they know how to handle tragedy is just to stay close to one another and so all just came to be with me. We crossed the river in an old dugout tree trunk It was also like crossing to the land of freedom. South of the river the local hunters have organized themselves. So the rebels have been afraid to attack any village on that side. This is why the people wanted me to go there. Also it was not just the church members but a lot of the people. We passed 3 more villages before Polus, stopping to greet the people. One old woman came as we were leaving one village with a gift of 3 hot boiled eggs. In another village, a man offered me to share a platter of rice. All six of us eating from the same plate. I arrived tired and sore at 7:30 PM. Pa Roke Kamara and all the village people welcomed me. After resting and washing and talking they led me to a room they prepared for me. The bed had a foam mattress and the greatest thing -- a pillow. For the first time in 2 weeks I slept soundly Before sleeping, the head of the hunters who was also a mason for the new church in Robis using the traditional mud blacks, came to me to reassure me that I will be safe. He carried his home made shot gun.
Saturday was quiet. Many came to greet me. They had heard that everything had been stolen. Also I greeted those who lost everything On Sunday, we were few but we celebrated mass in the unfinished church. On Monday, the people from town came to bring rice and palm oil to greet me and also Le 3,000 for the sauce. There is no salt, so they try to make do without it. The next day Rosent, Rapolo and Makeni Kori send representatives to greet me and each brought some cups of rice and some palm oil and palm wine for us as their only way to show their concern for me and support me in this confusion.
The ECOMOG troops entered Makeni and all the rebels ran away. This was a domino effect. By that night, all the rebels were out of Magburaka. Passing hundreds walking through Matatoka on their way to Kono 70 miles away Some of the soldiers surrendered to ECOMOG and were disarmed. Since all the army joined the military coup, they also have to be disarmed along with the rebels. Two friends from Magburaka came to greet me and I wrote a letter to Fr. Piero. On Friday I expect them again. If the rebels have left Magburaka, then it will be safe to return to our empty house. We will have to buy some burlap bags so that the local mattress maker can make some straw mattresses for me. The floor is too hard to sleep on.
I told you it was an adventure. The people have been a great support. Their strength is their togetherness in joy or in sorrow. I never thought that I would be on the receiving end on such a personal level. It was like the letters I received from.Maharibo after the death of Mom and Dad Each feel the other's pain on an individual level. Also as the people say, God has preserved their life and that is far more important. They must have that trust in God because their life is so difficult. The wife of Pa Poke has been cooking for me. They have found eggs and some traditional cassava bread they also have cooked 2 times a day The lack of salt is the hardest part. There are no pit latrines in this village often house, but there is a lot of bush! We have decided to say Mass here and then I will walk back to Magburaka on Monday using the main road instead of the bush path.
Yesterday, great news arrived Fr. Piero sent Peter Kamara and Augustine Kamara with news that ECOMOG reach Magburaka. In fact the Bishop who arrived in Makeni sent them to collect the 2 of us. Piero had come out of the bush to visit the house when they arrived At first he had thought they were the rebels again. He wrote a letter also and sent Alie Gbla to bring it. Piero told the contingent of soldiers that he was well and I was safe. Piero decided to stay in Magburaka ECOMOG promise to some to set up quarters in Magburaka to collect weapons and protect the area.
Piero said the house is empty -- every door is broken -- what rebels or the collaborators didn't take was just scattered about. I have decided to walk back to Magburaka. I want to see my room and what is left. I also want to be with these people who have suffered so much in these 3 weeks. People lost everything. The soldiers gang raped any girl they met. It was 3 weeks of complete anarchy and confusion. They killed only 10 people, burned 4 houses, but the scars of the fear and tremor and the hatred of the people who cooperated with the rebels will remain a long time. Yesterday, as we visited one village, I saw a youth the others told me also went to one house to take things. I was furious. I know I had no proof I have helped this youth for 4 years paying for his medicine. He has epilepsy and they never got medicine for him. I Felt betrayed I greeted him and when he then tried to ask me how I was, I just tried to control my temper. I told him that I greeted him but that is all I will say to him. In this culture, not to talk to someone, or to ostracize a person is the strongest thing you can do. This will be what I will be facing as I return to meet the people who contributed to the havoc. But in no way can it cause me to forget the hundreds that came to our aid They were suffering themselves, but their concern and care was for me and Fr. Piero. This is a great strength of community and it is in difficulty that you experience it in purest form. As Piero wrote to me, it is an experience of death and resurrection". A fitting reminder for these first 2 weeks of Lent
Friday afternoon, I once again began the long hike back to Magburaka. I was not able to leave early in the morning because four days before the Christian community of Gleom Limba had planned to visit me and encourage me in these difficulties. They arrived last with a large rooster and plenty of palm wine. Pa Roke Kamara had his wife Adama cook early and so by 2:00 PM in the hottest part of the day, we began an 8 mile walk Mr. Samuel Sesay led and Peter Kamara and Augustine Kamara carried my things. We reached the first village over 2-1/2 miles away and heard bad news. It turned out that the Peacekeeping Troops (ECOMOG) did not return last evening to Magburaka, but a truck carrying the People's Army did They attack ruthlessly the town killing 8 people and burning 20 houses on 4 different streets. They attacked the police station and freed the 20 collaborators that had been rounded up in the euphoria of the morning's arrival of ECOMOG
All this was confirmed as I reach the next village. They also told me that a group of ECOMOG soldiers did arrive. I decided to continue and finally arrived at 6:30 PM As Fr. Piero had warned me, the mission house was a mess and all the stores were empty. My room was much worse than I expected.
For 2 days. I with some friends have been cleaning all my notes and papers. I had five shelves filled with articles and notes about Islam and African Traditional Religions. Courses that I taught at the Major seminary. But the real shock was that while all my books and notes seem to be there, nothing else was there. Everything was stolen. All my glasses and prescription medicines I brought from the USA was gone. All my additional parts for the new computer gone. All the extra things I brought in October gone. All my tools gone. Things that were worthless to others gone. Things that I have kept for years -- like the Christmas ornaments I got from Mary-Alice when she lived in Brighton by St. Elizabeth's gone. The eyeglasses that young Paul gave me in October, gone. Every pen, pencil, scissors, pen knife -- all gone.
l have not vet recovered from the shock Yesterday, I planned to say Mass today back in Rob is, but the 2 motorcycles I contacted to carry me, but disappointed me this morning Both had flats, and there is no one to fix and pump them. I m sorry I could not prayer with the people of Rob is. ECOMOG is patrolling the area and the local hunters are in their traditional dress and are helping them. But we still do not feel safe. The women and children are still in the surrounding villages. At Mass. there were only 60 people.
I am sleeping on a piece of foam that I borrowed from a neighbor, but this morning after two days of using some clothe 3 as a pillow, I begged a neighbor to look for a pillow for me. I have not slept well in 2 days. I hope I will sleep better tonight.
I heard from Jimmy on Wednesday 11 March. He was in Makeni and calling me from a remote, portable phone that the bishop had carried with him there to meet Jim. It was probably the most exciting call I ever received. In fact, he had called my house, but I had already left for work. Ralph told him he could never give me the message, and Jim would have to call me directly so that I could hear his voice myself. So Jim made two phone calls that morning! He told me he was having some one send this diary to me. I'm sorry it has taken so long to reach all of you.
I have talked with Jim once more since, in April. He was meeting with his fellow Xavarians to discuss how best now to help the people there. He sent information to me regarding his missing computer parts which we have now sent to him in the hopes that these expensive replacement parts arrive to him in one piece.
On Monday, ECOMOG helicopters evacuated seven Italians and Sierra Leoneans and one American missionary, the Rev. James Tully of New York, according to a spokesman for the Italian missionary service MISNA. The spokesman said the Italian ambassador to Sierra Leone and a local Roman Catholic bishop also were evacuated.
Flying over the city, the foreigners saw a fiery battle for Freetown.
"The town is under fire. Explosions everywhere in the town," the Rev. Giulio Albanese of MISNA said from Rome, recounting what he was told by telephone.
Sierra Leone: A Nation Without Peace, A Church to be Rebuilt
Recent events in Sierra Leone, including the kidnapping of 15 missionaries of whom four have already died as hostages, have brought the long-ignored small West African country into the realm of newsmaker because of the horrific slaughter now going on there.
Bishop George Biguzzi, s.x. Pleads for Missionaries' Release
"I plead with the rebels of Sierra Leone to set free, as a gesture of goodwill, Fr. Victor Mosele, Brother Noel Bradshaw and Fr. Dominic Kargbo!" Bishop Biguzzi, s.x., of Makeni, Sierra Leone (West Africa) had sent out this appeal on February 13th. We're now into March. There is no news yet of the latest hostages. They are two foreign religious missionaries and one local priest of the Diocese of Makeni, who through diverse circumstances ended up in the hands of the United Revolutionary Front (RUF).
Brother Noel Bradshaw is Irish and a member of the Christian Brothers. Fr. Victor Mosele is a Xaverian who was stationed in Holliston, MA where he taught at the seminary there for 14 years before going to the Sierra Leone missions in 1980.
Fr. Victor was kidnapped on February 11 in Kambia, a town not far from the neighboring country of Guinea. Fr. Victor and another Xaverian followed their people as they moved away from their town in the darkness of night, some 30,000 of them heading toward the Guinean border.
Fr. Jim Tully, a Xaverian who comes from Long Island, NY, informs us that "in an effort to procure medication for the other missionary wounded in the escape, Fr. Victor turned back, but on the way met armed rebels who, it seems, carried him to Makeni. We have had no further news of his whereabouts since his abduction."
All Missionaries are Now Refugees
Fr. Tully, as well as all the other missionaries, including about 40 Xaverians, have been ordered to leave the country. They have gathered in Conakry, Guinea, across the northern border, where they are anxiously following the constantly changing fate of their missions, and seeking to learn the whereabouts of their people who, by the hundreds of thousands have sought refuge in neighboring Guinea, or are still hiding in the forest.
For most missionaries, this crucible of suffering began when Fr. Mario Guerra, 64, was abducted by the rebels on November 15, 1998, tortured and made to scamper and hide throughout the countryside, with forced marches during the nights toward Freetown, driven on by gun-toting young rebels. After two months, there was a moment of confusion in the ranks of the rebels, and he and other hostages were able to escape. Fr. Guerra spoke of having seen "atrocities and indescribable horrors", while also stressing his gratitude to and pride in the good people "who risked their lives to help us during our successful escape."
Civilians are Expendable
"The actual number of civilian casualties suffered in Freetown alone will never be known," a Reuters report states. Fr. Rocco Puopolo, a Xaverian who comes from Norwood, MA and an eyewitness to the conflict, recently returned from Sierra Leone, say that "most estimates put the total casualty figure conservatively at between 3,000 and 5,000... civilians were killed, caught in the crossfire of bullets, anger and mistrust that seized Freetown... Civilians are expendable. Any and all relationships which would create a network of support are disrupted. People are easily panicked, and if given a chance they run at any threat or rumor of attack. Stability and security are urgently needed, but they are absent... Sierra Leone is entering a real dark age of lawlessness, death and disaster..."
The entire north, which is the Diocese of Makeni, is now controlled by the rebels. "They have turned the towns into training camps," writes Fr. Tully, "and are teaching all the youth to use guns against their own people! What a pathetic situation... There are no medical facilities. There is no medicine. There is no gasoline, gas, oil or electricity. There are almost a million refugees in Guinea."
Where Does America Stand in the Face of This Tragedy?
There is no denying that most of the conflicts in Sierra Leone stem from warring tribes. Since the democratically elected government was overthrown in 1991 by a military junta, the country has been torn apart by a series of coups.
However, outside political forces are also to blame for maintaining the chaos. Sierra Leone is rich in diamonds and bauxite ore (the principle source of aluminum). These are resources other nation would like to control... Particularly troubling during the present chaos have been the apathy and disinterest shown by the United States. In the bloodied country, it appears that the United States has actively thwarted efforts by the United Nations to set up peacekeeping operations that might have prevented much of the bloodshed.
"There is a new mantra: that we don't have any influence," said Chester Crocker, the former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Crocker added, "I don't buy it. We are a special country and, damn it, we have influence."
Some members of Congress have now taken up the cause. They have sent a letter on Sierra Leone to President Clinton, expressing "our concern and horror at the recent turn of events... These atrocities have reached a crisis point and we believe that United States intervention is desperately needed -- particularly for humanitarian purposes... We urge you to use all the resources at your disposal to bring about a negotiated settlement to this conflict..."
Meanwhile, the African Faith and Justice Network joined with other groups and former Peace Corps members in Washington, DC to plan for a Sierra Leone Lobby Day on March 8, 1999 to seek Congressional backing for financial, political and diplomatic support for the West Africa peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone, increased humanitarian assistance, and a liberal immigration policy toward Sierra Leone refugees and displaced persons.
Why Do You Remain?
On March 17th a series of meeting began in Italy, convened by the Xaverians' General Direction for all the missionaries in Sierra Leone, to try to evaluate the situation in that country, and to plan for future action.
The meeting sought an answer to the question most asked of the missionaries: Why do you remain there? Our own Fr. Puopolo answers: "If we say we want to work with the poor, well, HERE THEY ARE! One cannot find a situation with grater poverty. The Catholic Church has become the trusted point of reference. Missionaries, religious and local clergy alike have worked together to 'stay with the people, move with the people'... Because of this choice, the Church has become a target. Almost every parish house throughout the country, along with the pastoral centers, hospitals, seminaries and Church offices have been looted, and the vehicles taken. Missionaries have been taken as hostages and subjected to death threats."
"Missionaries identify with the people they serve," explained Fr. Robert Maloney, s.x., Rector of the Mission House in Holliston, MA. "They give witness to Christian concern and human values which are Gospel-rooted. They remain with the people they serve, and continue to provide hope and encouragement and teach understanding, forgiveness, and love. Tragedies like Sierra Leone occur... They are often colored by political, economic, and foreign interests. The simple folk pay the price. Missionaries remain with their people and begin anew, giving a convincing witness of solidarity of Christians the world over for peoples everywhere."
Asked, "What does Sierra Leone need now?" Fr. Paul K. Mansaray, a local priest, answered: "When the war broke out, my appeal was 'We need medicines and rice; otherwise we will all die.' Now, looking at Sierra Leone and at myself, my appeal has changed. I can only say, 'We need prayers!' Because I see many of us are in ever greater danger. I see the hatred is spreading, that many are wishing the death of others, that in this world right now fighting one against the other has taken over..."
If Sierra Leone is to survive, most assuredly it needs material help. But it also desperately needs to re-build the human spirit, the human person... The cross is a matter of faith; the cross is the crown of life.
"Sierra Leone: A Nation Without Peace, A Church to be Rebuilt." Xaverian Mission Newsletter. vol. 48, no. 2 (March/April 1999): 1-4.
| Another quality webpage by Glenn Elert |
|
home | contact bent | chaos | eworld | facts | physics |
