ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES
SIXTH MEETING OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTERS
OF THE COMMITTEE OF FIVE ON SIERRA LEONE
CONAKRY, 22-23 OCTOBER 1997
COMMUNIQUE
1. The ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of Five on Sierra Leone held a meeting in Conakry on 22-23 October, 1997.
2. In continuation of the negotiations initiated in Abidjan on 17 and 18 July, 1997 and 29 and 30 July, 1997, the Committee held discussions with an enlarged delegation of Major Johnny Paul Koroma.
3. The meeting reviewed the situation in Sierra Leone since the break-down of negotiations between the Committee of Five and the representatives of the junta since 30 July 1997. It recalled the ECOWAS decisions concerning the monitoring of the ceasefire, the imposition of sanctions and the embargo, as well as the restoration of peace to Sierra Leone by ECOMOG. It also recalled Resolution 1132 of the United Nations Security Council dated 8 October 1997 placing an embargo on Sierra Leone.
4. The Committee of Five and the junta’s delegation agreed to accelerate efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the Sierra Leonean crisis.
5. To this end, the Committee of Five and the representatives of Major Johnny Paul Koroma adopted an ECOWAS peace plan for Sierra Leone and a time-table for its implementation over a six-month period with effect from 23 October, 1997.
6. It is recognised that Corporal Foday Sankoh as a leader of RUF could continue to play an active role and participate in the peace process. In the spirit of the Abidjan Accord and in the context of this Agreement Corporal Foday Sankoh is expected to return to his country to make his contribution to the peace process.
7. The ECOWAS peace plan for Sierra Leone provides for:
- the reinstatement of the legitimate government of President Tejan Kabbah within a period of six months
- the immediate cessation of hostilities
- cooperation of the junta with ECOMOG in order to peacefully enforce the sanctions
- disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of combatants
- the provision of humanitarian assistance
- return of refugees and displaced persons
- immunities and guarantees to the leaders of the May 25, 1997 coup d’etat
- modalities for broadening the power base in Sierra Leone.
8. The Committee of Five and the representatives of Major Johnny Paul Koroma agreed to continue negotiations towards effective and prompt implementation of the peace plan.
9. The meeting renewed its appeal to the international community to provide appropriate humanitarian assistance to the refugees and displaced persons and to facilitate their return.
10. The meeting reiterated its appeal to the international community to provide adequate assistance to the neighbouring countries of Sierra Leone which have recorded an increased influx of refugees on their territory.
11. The meeting expressed its appreciation to the UN and the OAU for their cooperation with ECOWAS and appealed to them for material, logistic and financial support to ECOMOG to enable it (to) carry out the mandate given by the Authority of Heads of State and Government and the United Nations Security Council.
12. The Committee expressed its deep gratitude to His Excellency, General Lansana Conte, President of the Republic of Guinea, Head of State, and to the Government and People of Guinea for the excellent facilities put at their disposal and for the hospitality accorded to all the delegations.
DONE AT CONAKRY THIS 23RD DAY OF OCTOBER, 1997