Refugee & Immigration Services:  Homelands of Refugees
   

Historically, Sierra Leone was a slave-trading outpost.  In the late 18th century it became a settlement for freed slaves (Krios) and discharged blacks from the British armed forces.

The official language of the country is English, but with 15 main ethnic groups, each having its own language, the common means of communication between groups is Krio.

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, and 80 percent of the population are farmers.  Land is often communally owned by a tribe where legal ownership is vested is the chief, on behalf of the whole tribe.  This is mostly true in rural areas, but the European system of property ownership applies in other areas.

Sierra Leone is rich in minerals, and diamond mining is the country's main source of foreign exchange.  Despite the potential wealth, Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world.

The conflict in Sierra Leone began when armed rebels from the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) crossed the border from Liberia.  The attack has been described as a "spill over" of the Liberian civil war, a reaction to government corruption, and a call for democratic reforms.  Caught unprepared, the national army was ill equipped and poorly trained.  As RUF rebels gained control over the southeast region, the government expanded the army and received military support from Nigeria and Guinea.  When the national army successfully recaptured its territory, some of the RUF captives surrendered to the army.  However, the RUF responded by targeting atrocities against civilians.  The national army did not provide protection to civilians, nor did RUF, which claimed to be acting on behalf of the people.  Traditional institutions, such as secret men's societies, were forced to protect their own populations by forming civil defense groups.

During the course of the civil war, more than 200,000 refugees fled into neighboring countries.  Another million were internally displaced, and about 300 persons are killed each month in attacks by rebels.  Children are being recruited as soldiers because they are considered unbound by family responsibilities and ties.  Many children are separated from their parents in the fighting, and the incentive of food and shelter by the RUF has become lucrative.

In rural areas, villages are made up of residents living under the guidance of a Paramount Chief.  Houses, constructed of mud bricks and tin roofs, are clustered together.  Grass and bush is cut out of the residential area to discourage snakes, rodents and harmful insects from wandering into the houses.  Families are often extended groups living close together, and most domestic activities take place outdoors where working women can talk while they prepare food and tend children.

Meals consist of rice, combined with various vegetable sauces.  On festive occasions, fish or chicken is added to the meal.

Men are the political and economic backbone of all villages.  Elaborate celebrations for the initiation of young boys into a secret men's society is a village-wide event.  The celebration itself is prohibited to women and the uninitiated. 

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