SIERRA LEONE: COUP LEADER KOROMA SPEAKS OF CRISIS IN COUNTRY

(8 Jun 1997) English/Nat
Sierra Leone's coup leader Major Johnny Paul Koroma says his country has to find its own way out of its crisis and does not want any foreign intervention.
Speaking in the capital, Freetown, Koroma also warned that if ousted civilian president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah came back, he would be ruling over corpses.
Sierra Leone's capital Freetown is edgy as rebel forces and Nigerian troops vie for dominance.
Nigeria's civilian President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah was ousted from power on May 25 by forces under the command of Major Johnny Paul Koroma and his brother Brigadier Samuel Koroma.
But the Koroma brothers and their supporters in the ruling Armed Forces
Revolutionary Council have yet to bring stability to the capital.
Johnny Paul Koroma says he is willing to negotiate, while ruling out any need for foreign intervention.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We've already sent a delegation to attend that meeting (in Abidjan). So we don't think there'll be any foreign intervention. I'm sure the problem will be solved and it's a problem we'll have to solve internally."
SUPER CAPTION: Major Johnny Paul Koroma, coup leader
He also warned Kabbah against any premature return.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"What we're saying is that that would not be a solution that's all, because if President Kabbah comes back I think the situation will get worse. So I don't he would like to come back, because he would not like to come and see a devastated city or to rule over corpses. So I don't think he's ready to come back."
SUPER CAPTION: Major Johnny Paul Koroma, coup leader
Nigerian forces have launched mortar attacks on the city, destroying many buildings.
The level of violence has kept citizens indoors and shut down the country.
Sierra Leone appears to be going the same way as Liberia did last year, inexorably descending into violence and chaos with the likelihood that things will only get worse.
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[@ismailasesay8009]

Major Johny Paul koroma,I want to see Saj musa

[@wagyenibee768]

So what was the relevance of koroma's coup against Tejan kabbah?

[@ernestbaikoroma5275]

OK

[@jayblacksupremacy8519]

I'll do the same some day
Liberia and Libia will pay for causing evil wicked devil acts in my country
Nigeria and Gambia are my witness.

[@barriebarrie4549]

State Man

[@victoriouswoman3977]

Where is him now?

[@Noralynn07]

@@victoriouswoman3977he died in 2003