SPOTLIGHT ON ALIE KABBA BY YANKUBA KAI- SAMBA
Alie Kabba played a pivotal role in the formation of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), the rebel group that waged war on Sierra Leone. Here’s a breakdown of his involvement
Founder and Architect: Alie Kabba is widely regarded as the founder and mastermind behind the RUF. He developed the ideological and strategic basis for the revolution and mobilized resources, both human and financial, to promote and give life to the movement.
Student Radicalism*: Kabba’s radicalism began during his time at Fourah Bay College, where he was a prominent student leader and president of the student union. He promoted radical leftist ideologies and was expelled from the university in 1985 for his activism.
Libyan Connection*: After his expulsion, Kabba strengthened his ties with Libya, where he received training and support for the RUF. He made frequent trips to Libya and Ghana, recruiting disgruntled youths for guerrilla war.
Leadership Void: Kabba’s decision not to participate in the guerrilla training created a leadership void that was eventually filled by Foday Sankoh, who went on to become a key figure in the RUF.
Criticisms and Controversies: Kabba’s role in the civil war has been widely criticized, with many accusing him of being responsible for the violence and atrocities committed during the conflict. Some have even called him a “war criminal” and questioned why he hasn’t been held accountable for his actions.
Overall, Alie Kabba’s involvement in the formation of the RUF had a profound impact on the course of Sierra Leone’s history, contributing to a brutal civil war that lasted for over a decade.
Why was he not prosecuted alongside Foday Sankoh and Charles Taylor
Alie Kabba’s role in the Sierra Leone Civil War has been widely criticized, with many accusing him of being a key architect of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels. Despite this, he hasn’t been charged with war crimes like Foday Sankoh and Charles Taylor for several reasons ¹ ²:
Lack of Evidence or Prosecutorial Priorities: It’s possible that prosecutors didn’t have sufficient evidence to build a strong case against him or chose to prioritize other cases.
Amnesty Provision: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report excluded many die-hard SLPP party members and supporters, including Alie Kabba, from facing the Special Court trial in Freetown due to an amnesty provision.
International Politics and Diplomacy: As a diplomat representing Sierra Leone at the UN, Alie Kabba may have benefited from diplomatic immunity or other forms of protection.
Current Investigations*: However, there’s a recent petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking to revisit past atrocities, which might potentially impact Alie Kabba’s situation.
It’s worth noting that Alie Kabba’s involvement in the RUF’s formation and activities has been documented, and some have called for him to be held accountable for his actions during the war
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