Information on the above-stated subject is unavailable to the DIRB in Ottawa. However, Documentation Réfugiés states that toward the end of April 1994, there was a violent confrontation between government forces and the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF) at Tongo Field (1-14 Feb. 1994, 6). The source does not elaborate. The DIRB is unable to corroborate this information at the present time. For further information on other clashes between government and RUF forces between March and May 1994, please refer to the attachments from Africa Research Bulletin and the BBC World Service.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference

Documentation Réfugiés [Paris]. 1-14 February 1994. No. 235. "Sierra Leone."

Attachments

Africa Research Bulletin [Cambridge]. 1-31 May 1994. Vol. 31, No. 5. "Sierra Leone: Clashes with Rebels," p. 11453.

_____. 1-30 April 1994. Vol. 31, No. 4. "Sierra Leone: Military Retirements," pp. 11414-15.

_____. 1-31 March 1994. Vol. 31, No. 3. "Sierra Leone: Fighting Intensifies," p. 11375.

_____. 1-28 February 1994. Vol. 31, No. 2. "Sierra Leone: Civilians Killed," p. 11345.

BBC World Service [London, in English]. 27 April 1994. "RUF Launches `Devastating' Attack in Pujuhun Area." (FBIS-AFR-94-082 28 Apr. 1994, pp. 24-25)

Documentation Réfugiés [Paris]. 1-14 February 1994. No. 235. "Sierra Leone," p. 6."

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa Confidential [London]. Weekly.

Africa Events [London]. Monthly.

Africa Report. [New York]. Bi-monthly.

Afrique/Asie [Paris].

Country file (Sierra Leone).

Jeune Afrique [Paris]. Weekly.

New African [London]. Monthly.

West Africa [London]. Weekly.