Related Sierra Leone Favorites Tips

Favorite thing: Friends -- 79B1 Bai Bureh Road, Kissy, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The CNET Cybercafé, is located at the C-MET offices at 41 Main Motor Road in Congo Cross, Freetown. The cybercafé consists of ten computer stations, a laser printer and a scanner.

Securicom 29 Pademba RD Freetown tel 32-22-229652

Favorite thing: Sierra Leone Background: Since 1991, civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (well over one-third of the population) many of whom are now refugees in neighboring countries. A peace agreement, signed on 7 July 1999, offers hope that the country will be able to rebuild its devastated economy and infrastructure, but previous peace efforts have failed. As of late 1999, up to 6,000 UN peacekeepers were in the process of deploying to bolster the peace accord.

Fondest memory: Best memory friend TK-- Wonderful beaches Two Rivers about 20 miles out of Freetown.

The other day, I saw a girl with her little brother in front of my house. Electricity, as usual, was gone and the generator was on. I walked close to her and had found her doing homework in the dim light coming out of a hole in the gate. And I knew instantly Sierra Leone has a future.

Favorite thing: The warmth that not only comes from the sun but also from the people.The sheer beauty of the landscapes, the clean beaches and particularly the Beach Bars..

Fondest memory: My fondest memory was on my last trip to Sierra Leone. Relaxing on Lumley Beach at around 11pm on Jan 1st, with cold beer,grilled Red Snapper, great friends and the sound of the rolling waves..

Favorite thing: Ethnic groups: 20 native African tribes 90% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 30%), Creole 10% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-eighteenth century), refugees from Liberia's recent civil war, small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians

Religions: Muslim 60%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10%

Languages: English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)

Favorite thing: Since 1991, civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (well over one-third of the population) many of whom are now refugees in neighboring countries. A peace agreement, signed on 7 July 1999, offers hope that the country will be able to rebuild its devastated economy and infrastructure, but previous peace efforts have failed. As of late 1999, up to 6,000 UN peacekeepers were in the process of deploying to bolster the peace accord.

Favorite thing: In January 1999, at least 5,000 persons (including several foreign nationals) were killed when rebel forces attacked Freetown. Despite a July 1999 peace agreement between the government and rebel forces, control of much of the country is still being contested by armed combatants. In May 2000, over 20 protesters and an unknown number of rebel guards were killed in an exchange of gunfire in Freetown near the home of the rebel leader.

Favorite thing: Go to the centre of Freetown to talk to the people and ask them about their country. I hasten to point out, that I am from the British Military forces and as such had a lot of freedom to do this as I did not feel threatened by violence in the slightest.

Fondest memory: The joy as I and a few colleagues went to a blind school in Freetown and were sung Christmas carols by the boys and girls there.

Favorite thing: See the coastline. It seemed to stretch forever. Except for the odd piece of garbage and the occasional child pooping in the water it was a refreshing break from the heat. Even if it was only for an hour and only once a week.

Fondest memory: Except for the children begging for food and money......The Beach! I think it was more just a sign of the times. And of course some great deals on artwork. The exchange rate at that time worked out to be roughly 13 of their dollars for one american dollar.