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Dozens of ex-combatants from Sierra Leone's 10-year civil war are taking part
in "healing ceremonies" to make peace with victims of the brutal conflict that
left thousands dead.
The ceremony was started by a local NGO, Forum of Conscience, in the Kailahun
District. "The choice of Kailahun is significant," said the project's director,
John Caulker.
"This was where the war began on March 23, 1991 when rebels of the
Revolutionary United Front crossed into Sierra Leone from Liberia," he
explained. "It is the first time perpetrators are meeting face-to-face with
victims as well as friends and relatives… to apologize for offenses they
committed during the conflict."
Abdul Sowa, a one-time farmer who now uses crutches, could not hold back
tears. "At last, they [the ex-combatants] have acknowledged their crimes," he
said.
According to Caulker, thousands of such "forgiveness ceremonies" are to take
place throughout the country over the next five years.
Frost
Illustrated: Ex-combatants at 'healing ceremonies' in Sierra Leone
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