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S. Leone, Guinea Leaders Refuse to Attend Regional Security Summit
Sierra Leonean President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and his Guinean counterpart Lansana Conte Tuesday refused to attend a special regional security summit, which is expected to focus on escalating tension along the borders of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Kabbah and Conte said that regional leaders have not taking firm enough action against Liberian President Charles Taylor, whom they accused of fomenting war in the sub-region, a senior Sierra Leonean government official explained.
"When the two presidents met recently in Guinea it was agreed that both countries would not compromise with Charles Taylor until he desists from supporting rebel activities," the official said.
Leaders from the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States are due to meet for an emergency summit on Wednesday in the Nigerian capital Abuja in a bid to head off a spreading regional conflict, which has already pulled in the three members of the Mano River Union.
Earlier at the weekend, accusing Guinea of backing Guinea-based Liberian rebels to attack its northern border towns of Foya and Kolahun, Taylor has ordered the government to begin raising a 15, 000-strong force to combat the rebels.
The three members of the Mano River Union, which is intended to promote cooperation and economic development, have been increasing conflict on their common borders since early this year.
Sierra Leone and Guinea blame that Liberia is supporting Sierra Leone rebels as well as armed rebel groups in Guinea. However, Liberia, in turn, accuses the two neighboring countries of harboring dissidents in a bid to overturn the government.
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