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'Unamsil Must Stay for More Years' - Matilda Kutubu

Standard Times (Freetown)
NEWS
August 31, 2004
Posted to the web September 1, 2004

By Elongima Masuba

The drawdown of Unamsil in the eastern part of Sierra Leone has created so much
controversy and doubt that the many people in that region are now looking to
the almighty for protection.
A resident of Kenema, Madam Matilda Kozia Kutubu, interview by this press on
the issue of Unamsil drawdown and adjustments, disclose that from her own point
of view the government must pay great attention to the borders of the country.
"The police and the army are doing fine, the night patrol is ongoing but the
night crime rate is high," she said.
Madam Kutubu said our army and police are not up to the task of controlling
effectively the security of this nation, adding that if she has the power
Unamsil will stay for more years.
Madam Kutubu said she is pleading to the international community to allow the
mission to stay for a couple more years.
"I know they will have to leave one day but let them help us train our army, so
they can stand up to the great challenges that lie ahead of them. The police
and the army are our brothers while Unamsil troops are foreigners. Their stay
means a lot, as security has not been the only help they have been offering.

   

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