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Aid Workers in Monrovia on High Alert Following Fighting, U.S. Withdrawal
For Immediate Release
October 2, 2003
MONROVIA, Liberia – Staff from the Christian aid agency World Vision today are on high alert here as a result of Wednesday’s fighting between government and rebel soldiers following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the coast of Liberia. As a result, Liberian staff members have been told to remain home. In addition, traveling to displacement camps where the agency is providing food and health care is on hold until the situation stabilizes.
U.S. troops left the area, as planned, following the transfer of peacekeeping authority to the United Nations. However, seven people were killed in skirmishes between government and rebel forces.
“The fighting was a major hiccup, but doesn’t seem to have derailed the peace process,” said Paul Sitnam, World Vision’s relief manager in Monrovia. “Most people expect this. It’s a last chance for troops of the former regime to loot before law and order are established and an opportunity for political players to jockey for position in the transitional government.
“It will probably continue through the early stages of the transitional government,” said Sitnam. “October’s going to be an critical month.”
World Vision is providing health care and immunizations as well as distributing food to some 75,000 Liberians who have lost their homes as a result of the 14-year civil war there.
Sitnam is available for interview this week by phone from Monrovia. To schedule an interview, please see the contact information below.
CONTACTS: mediainfo@worldvision.org
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