adhere728v90

The plaque on the grave of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) Leader, Corporal (Rtd) Foday Saybana Sankoh, has sparked heated discussion among concerned Sierra Leoneans, who felt the brunt of the eleven-year-long rebel war that caused wanton destruction of lives and properties.
It could be recalled that when Foday Saybana Sankoh died in UN custody on 29th July 2003, his corpse was handed over to his family for a befitting burial in his home. The RUF Leader was buried at Masang Mayoso Village, Kholifa Rhowala Chiefdom in the Tonkolili District, seven miles from the district headquarters Magburaka and very close to Magbass. It is that community UNAMSIL put up a peace monument after Foday Sankoh and his rebels held a meeting with UNAMSIL that culminated in the commencement of the disarmament process.
The inscription on the plaque of Foday Sankoh's grave reads: "In Loving Memory Of Foday Saybana Sankoh Former Leader Of The Revolutionary United Front (ruf). Died July 29, 2003 Aged 65 Years "your Presence We Miss, Your Memory We Treasure, Loving You Always, Forgetting You Never."
A concerned citizen, Jim Dominic Amara, described the inscription as "Beautiful words for a man that was greatly responsible for the maiming, killing and destruction of our beloved Sierra Leone. I wonder who wrote those words, but even Satan has followers."
According to Elizabeth Faley, "His best friends and some family members still cherish him. I read about it that his body got missing from the grave immediately after his burial ceremony. The police launched an investigation into the matter, but nothing tangible came out of it. The grave is, however, still available known to be his grave...." "His death was a relief to the nation, I believe," said Ibrahim Kuyateh, while Elizabeth Faley responded, "...with mixed feelings though. Our people who suffered. I know some were beneficiaries."
Foda Sankoh's grave is right at the heart of Masang Mayoso Village, and his remains were honoured by his people. The community has a major intersection linking Yele, Magburaka, and Mike 91.
"Where on earth is this plaque," asked Dr. Sama Siama Banya aka Puawui. "The decision to put this up is like rubbing salt and pepper in the wounds of defenceless women and children who were tortured, raped and on an occasion dismembered by Foday Sankoh's butchers."
"That grave doesn't deserve those inscriptions. Sankoh isn't a national hero," said Ibrahim Kuyateh.
Puawui recalled: "During my over one hour most anticipated one on one meeting in Yamoussukoro, Ivory Coast, he (Foday Sankoh) mentioned his village and added that he would take me there after the war. 'Are you sure that your terrorist gang would not have burnt it down?' I teased him."
Puawui said Sankoh responded that he was quite serious.
Sarah Edith Moi lamented: "Very horrific to watch, such an inhumane treatment of your brothers and sisters. He should never be forgiven by well-meaning Sierra Leoneans."

Leading Headlines

BUSINESS