2000, May. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


2000, May

The RUF took more than 500 UN peacekeepers hostage in an international military situation embarrassing for the UN during the first week of May (See May 7).	1

May 17

Sankoh was captured in Freetown and faced the possibility of standing trial for his role in rebel leadership. However, the influence of Liberian president Charles Taylor was thought likely to prevent serious prosecution inasmuch as Taylor and Sankoh were partners in an illegal diamond-trading agreement.	2

May 29

The last of the UN hostages were released by the RUF.	3

July 5

The UN Security Council instituted a worldwide ban on trade in diamonds from Sierra Leone.	4

July 15

In another successful mission, 233 additional UN employees were rescued from behind rebel lines.	5

Aug. 14

At the request of Pres. Kabbah, the UN Security Council agreed to create an international court of justice to investigate and prosecute accused war criminals in Sierra Leone.	6

Nov. 10

A cease-fire that was to last for at least 30 days was signed between the Sierra Leone government and the RUF.	7


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.