Duration of conflict
1991 to 2001

Nature of conflict
In April 1991, a civil war broke out between the government and the rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). The main reason for the conflict was to gain control of the country’s lucrative diamond mines.

Humanitarian aspects
Human Development Index (HDI) 2007: number 177, the last position. (2006: 176)
During the war, an estimated 75,000 people died, of which 40,000 were children. At the height of the war, there were 2 million refugees and internally displaced people. The number of wounded in Sierra Leone (amputees and others) amounted to 10,000.

Child soldiers
Around 10,000 to 15,000 child soldiers fought during the war; around 20,000 children were raped.

Phase in which the country is in now
Although the Sierra Leonean people are attempting to resume their lives, recovery from the destructive war remains a challenge. Ten years of conflict has weakened social cohesion and limited attention is given to the rights and psychosocial needs of children. Read more

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