ISSN 0951-8657 Published by Socialist Outlook PO Box 1109 London N4 2UU. All rights reserved. Printed by Eastway Offset (TU all depts) BRITISH military involvement in the former colony of Sierra Leone is gradually escalating, and with it the danger of a long-term British role in propping up the corrupt and unstable regime there.
Despite the initial denials and prevarications of ministers it is increasingly obvious that the paratroopers allegedly sent in to secure the rapid evacuation of British citizens are digging in for a much longer stay. Massive naval and air reinforcements have been dispatched, and British military advisors are now reportedly playing a key role in coordinating the war effort of the Kabbah regime against the RUF, part of which appears to have included the capture of rebel leader Foday Sankoh.
This military adventure does not even pretend to be conducted Nations or any international authority: the UN forces in Sierra Leone (mainly from black African countries) have been left to their own devices while the British military pursues the government's undeclared political agenda.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has now admitted that the goverplan to "stabilise" Sierra Leone, which would involve a continued supply of arms and military adviSIS.
This amounts to a covert recolonisation of the country. and represents a potentially open- ended commitment to fight each and any challenger to the Sierra Leone goverment for the foreseeAs our article (page 12) explains, is wracking the country flows from its dependent status and the cyril cal meddling of British and other imperialist powers.
Far from offering a long-term solution, Bntain is part of the problem. Labour ministers, who appear to have leamed nothing and forgotten nothing from the reactionary foreign policy of previous Labour govemments, could be on the slippery slope to another mini-Vietnam They must be stopped. Don't miss an each month. 12 issues delivered for just £10. OVERSEAS subscribers 12 issues for just €20. PLUS one year of International Viewpoint (Fourth International magazine) for only f30. PLEASE send me • 12 issues of Socialist Outlook * 12 issues of Socialist Outlook plus International Viewpoint. I enclose £.... Name Address Phone SEND TO: Socialist Outlook, PO Box 1109, London N4 2UU • • issue: SUBSCRIBE now! SPECIAL OFFER (UK only): One year of Socialist Outlook, Post Code Age