[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3958-S3959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 53 RELATIVE TO THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA 
                                 LEONE

  Mr. JEFFORDS (for himself, Mrs. Kassebaum, Mr. Simon, and Mr. 
Feingold) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                            S. Con. Res. 53

       Whereas since 1991 the people of the Republic of Sierra 
     Leone have endured a horrific civil war that has killed 
     thousands of individuals and displaced more than half the 
     population of the country;
       Whereas for the first time in almost 30 years, the Republic 
     of Sierra Leone held its first truly democratic multiparty 
     elections to elect a president and parliament and put an end 
     to military rule;
       Whereas the elections held on February 26, 1996, and the 
     subsequent runoff election held on March 15, 1996, were 
     deemed by international and domestic observers to be free and 
     fair and legitimate expressions of the will of the people of 
     the Republic of Sierra Leone;
       Whereas success of the newly elected democratic government 
     led by President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah could have a positive 
     effect on the West African neighbors of the Republic of 
     Sierra Leone; and
       Whereas the historic event of democratic multiparty 
     elections in the Republic of Sierra Leone should be honored: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) congratulates the people of the Republic of Sierra 
     Leone for holding their first democratic multiparty 
     presidential and parliamentary elections in nearly 30 years;
       (2) encourages all people of the Republic of Sierra Leone 
     to continue to negotiate an end to the civil war and work 
     together after taking the critical first step of holding 
     democratic elections in that country;
       (3) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to help 
     nations move toward freedom and democracy; and
       (4) further reaffirms that the United States is committed 
     to encouraging peace, democracy, and economic development on 
     the African continent.

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I am submitting for myself and 
several of my colleagues a concurrent resolution recognizing the people 
of the Republic of Sierra Leone for their recent elections and 
democratic transition. The elections held this February and March were 
the first multiparty democratic elections in Sierra Leone in almost 30 
years. They marked what could well be the key turning point in the 
civil war which has tormented Sierra Leone since 1991. In the face of 
ongoing civil war and violence, Sierra Leoneans--SEE-AIR-AH LEE-OH-NEE-
UNS--turned out in impressive numbers to vote, literally putting their 
lives on the line for democracy. They clearly believed that the ballot 
is more powerful than the bullet, and voted to end military rule and 
the rule of the gun. Their courage and resolve remind us of the 
blessings of democracy and liberty which we so often take for granted 
in the United States. This example is particularly timely for us in 
this year of American elections.
  As well as helping move Sierra Leone toward a peaceful resolution of 
its own civil conflict, this successful transition from military rule 
to democracy can serve as a positive example for the region. Sierra 
Leone's potential role in the region was underlined last week during 
the tragic events in Liberia. The new government of Sierra Leone 
allowed the United States to use the airport in Freetown as a transit 
point for the evacuation of Americans and third country nationals from 
Liberia. We are grateful for this assistance.
  I also wish to take this opportunity to recognize the important 
contribution of the various Americans involved in Sierra Leone's 
transition, notably the United States Embassy in Freetown led by 
Ambassador John Hirsch, and the African-American Institute, which sent 
a nonpartisan election observation group to monitor the elections 
throughout Sierra Leone and train local monitors for this and future 
democratic elections there.
  I have long believed that there are many positive developments in 
Africa, and that they often are overshadowed by the problems and 
crises. It is my pleasure today to be able to recognize one such 
positive development, and in that spirit, I hope that my colleagues in 
the Senate and in the House will join me and my colleagues to pass this 
resolution congratulating the Republic of Sierra Leone on its 
democratic transition.
 Mrs. KASSEBAUM. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with 
Senator Jeffords, Senator Feingold, and others in submitting this 
resolution commending the people of Sierra Leone on their successful 
transition to democracy.
  At a time of much instability in west Africa--from Liberia, to the 
Gambia, to Nigeria--the changes in Sierra Leone represent a beacon of 
hope for the region.
  Many people questioned the wisdom of proceeding with a multi-party 
election in the midst of a civil war, but the people of Sierra Leone 
would not be denied their opportunity to vote. They stood in line for 
many hours, desperate to cast their ballot. Their will was strong: the 
military simply had to go. Through their determination, the election 
succeeded, and on March 29, 1996, the military handed over power to a 
democratically elected head of state.
  Mr. President, I am pleased to join with my distinguished colleagues 
in congratulating the new President, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, on his 
election. He brings to the job a distinguished background in 
international affairs, and I believe is well prepared to lead Sierra 
Leone from its troubled past to a prosperous and peaceful future. It is 
my hope that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will soon be able 
to welcome the new President to Washington.

[[Page S3959]]

  The head of the Interim National Election Commission, Mr. James 
Jonah, also deserves special congratulations. Under extremely difficult 
circumstances--from financial to logistical to political--Mr. Jonah 
guided his country toward democracy and civilian rule. His steady hand 
contributed greatly to the success of the process.
  I also want to pay special tribute to the United States Ambassador to 
Sierra Leone, John Hirsch. Despite limited resources, Ambassador Hirsch 
played a critically important role in pushing for democratic change. We 
often fail to recognize our skilled diplomats in small embassies like 
Freetown, but their dedicated efforts are extremely important and 
appreciated.
  Finally, I want to commend the former military ruler of the country, 
Julius Amaada Bio, for respecting the results of the elections. Until 
the last moment, many questioned whether the military would actually 
hand over power. Of course, many military rulers--including some in 
west Africa--have ignored elections. But Brigadier Bio demonstrated 
statesmanlike leadership in guiding his country to democracy, and I 
believe history will look upon him kindly.
  Mr. President, the path ahead for Sierra Leone will not be easy. 
While a tentative cease-fire holds, instability continues to plague the 
Sierra Leonian countryside. I hope the Revolutionary United Front [RUF] 
will negotiate in good faith with the new President of the country and 
that a lasting peace agreement can soon be reached. The time for 
fighting is over as Sierra Leone moves toward a new era.
  At the same time, reform of the military must be a top priority. 
There is little doubt that the people of Sierra Leone lack confidence 
in the integrity and professionalism of their own protectors. That must 
change.
  As the peace process moves forward, the South African mercenaries 
should also return to their homes. As I told Chairman Strasser, the 
former head of state, during his visit to Washington last October, the 
continued presence of mercenaries will only contribute to instability 
over the long-run.
  While elections are important, Sierra Leone must get back on its feet 
economically for democracy to take root. The civil war and instability 
have devastated the formal economy. But Sierra Leone is gifted with 
many natural resources and great beauty. I urge the new government to 
work closely with the international financial institutions to move the 
economy forward, and I urge our Government to closely examine what 
contribution we can make to Sierra Leone's recovery.
  Mr. President, as chair of the Africa subcommittee, many people ask 
whether I get frustrated watching events in Africa--and sometimes I do. 
But for every Rwanda or Liberia, there is a South Africa, a Mozambique, 
or even--as we recognize today--a Sierra Leone.
  Again, I congratulate the people of Sierra Leone on their historic 
election and am pleased to join my colleagues in cosponsoring this 
important resolution.

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