A refugee from Sierra Leone stands in front of a Red Cross board displaying pictures of children looking for their parents at the Voa refugee camp in the outskirts of Monrovia, Liberia. (Photo: Desirey Minkoh, Agence France Presse) Sierra Leone Facts Population: 5 million (UN, 2003) Capital: Freetown Main Exports: diamonds, cocoa, coffee, fish Major languages: English, Krio (a Creole language derived from English) and a range of African languages Major religions: Islam, indigenous beliefs, Christianity Average annual income: US $140 (World Bank 2001)

Sierra Leone and Liberia not only share a border. These West African nations are united through a long history of political instability and civil war.

A Decade of Conflict

For many years, Sierra Leone existed as an independent state. That changed in 1992 when the country's President, Major-General Momoh, was ousted in a military coup led by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).

During a decade of violence, RUF's rebel forces participated in the illegal trade of diamonds, weapons, and timber. They were also responsible for the death of thousands of civilians and the permanent injury to thousands more. They destroyed homes and drove citizens to flee their villages.

How is Liberia connected to this catastrophic period in Sierra Leone's history? Many believed that Charles Taylor, Liberia's President, backed the RUF, providing them with finances and weapons. As a result, Taylor has been indicted for war crimes that include crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Where Do Things Stand Today?

After his indictment in March 2003, Taylor said he would step down if the charges against him were dropped. The United Nations-backed court in Sierra Leone has no intention of throwing out the indictment. If Taylor chooses to leave, Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo has considered offering asylum to the troubled leader.

So far, Taylor is still in power. However, organized rebel forces are making great strides to overthrow him. The two main groups, known as LURD for Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy and Model, for Movement for Democracy in Liberia, currently control almost 60 percent of the country.

U.S. President George W. Bush realizes the dangerous and volatile situation Liberia is facing. On his recent trip to Africa, Bush met with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to explore options. He said he would like to help West African countries bring peace to Liberia. If American military involvement is needed, Bush stressed it would be limited and would only happen if the Liberian President steps aside.