SIERRA LEONE HANDBOOK

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79-00891A001100090001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 32
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 31, 2001
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: April 1, 1972
• Content Type: REPORT

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Sierra Leone
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WARNING
Thiq document contains information affecting tie national
lefense of the United States, within the meaning of Title
sections 793 and 794. of the US Code, as amended.
Us transmission or revelation ot its contents to or re-
-rink by an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
I. GEOGRAPHY
Page
Location 1
Area 1
Climate 1
Topography 1
Natural resources 1
Human resources 2
ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
Growth rates and trends 1
Income distribution 1
Status of agriculture, mining, and industry 1
Transportation and communications 2
Government economic policies and monetary systems 2
Foreign trade 3
Balance of payments 3
POLITICAL SITUATION AND TRENDS
Historical background 1
Government 2
Political dynamics 3
Security forces 4
IV, SUBVERSION
Communist party and front groups 1
Foreign activities 1
Exile groups 1
Popular discontent 1
The military 2
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VI. ARMED FORCES
Organizaton and manpower 1
Equipment 1
Military budget
Military agreements and aid
VII. FOREIGN RELATIONS
Western countries 1
Communist countries 1
African countries 1
VIII. US INTERESTS
Defense 1
Economic and technical aid 1
Trade 1
Investment 1
Cultural 1
US citizens 2
MAP
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INTRODUCTION
The Republic of Sierra Leone is a small, economically underdeveloped
country on the bulge of the west African coast. An independent member of
the British Commonwealth since 1961, it enjoyed constitutional civilian rule
until a military coup in 1967. The military remained dominant politically
until April 1968 when civilian rule was reintroduced. The largely illiterate
population has little understanding of the various institutions of represent-
ative government that replaced or were grafted to their traditional system by
the British. As a result, the government is manipulated by a westernized
minority for its own ends, while the needs of the majority rural population
are given only lip service.
President Siaka Stevens assumed power in 1968 after a mutiny within
the security forces ended 13 months of military rule. Since then Stevens has
managed to preserve a shaky coalition between the Temne and other smaller
northern tribes represented within his party, the All People's Congress
(APC). The violence and intimidation that seem endemic to Sierra Leone's
political life have accelerated under Stevens, however. At the center of these
frictions is the traditional rivalry between the two major ethnic groups, the
Temne and the Mende, the predominant tribe in the south.
Stevens has departed from some policies of previous governments.
Contacts with Communist states have been increased, but without sacrificing
traditional close ties with the West. Growing nationalistic sentiments have
been expressed through the take-over of a majority interest in the important,
formerly foreign-owned diamond industry, and through the declaration of a
republic in 1971. Stevens has embarked on a policy of extending Sierra
Leonean control over other parts of the economy, but he is quick to reaffirm
his continuing desire for private foreign investment. Attractive investment
opportunities are scarce, however.
The government faces serious economic and political challenges. Two
thirds of the population farms, but food production does not meet domestic
requirements. Agricultural expansion is hampered by lack of money and
equipment, primitive farming practices, and poorly developed transportation
and marketing systems. Rising prices, low wages, and high unemployment
are sources of potential labor unrest. Over half of export revenues comes
from diamonds, which are being depleted and are subject to fluctuating
world markets.
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In the political arena, Stevens survived, within the space of six months,
a rebellion within his own party and a military coup attempt that included
two attempts on his life. Stevens' responses were decisive and ruthless. He
declared a state of emergency, then arrested the dissenters and outlawed
their newly formed opposition party. In March 1971, while army leaders
debated the fate of the government in the confused aftermath of their
commander's inept coup attempt, Stevens signed a defense agreement with
Guinea, brought in Guinean soldiers, and regained control. Then in quick
succession he changed the constitution, declared a republic, and made
himself the country's first president.
Stevens has further consolidated his power since, but his position
continues to rest largely on the forceable repression of opponents. His
short-sighted and blatant use of corruption and misuse of governmental
institutions?including the courts?to maintain power has increased Sierra
Leone's social and political divisions and made necessary the even more
intensive use of such tactics. Political stability, therefore, seems as elusive as
ever.
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I. GEOGRAPHY
Location
Sierra Leone is situated on the bulge of the west coast of Africa. It is
bordered on the north and east by Guinea, on the south by Liberia, and on
the west by its 210-mile Atlantic coastline.
Area
The nearly circular country has an area of 27,900 miles, slightly less
than South Carolina. The maximum east-west distance is approximately 200
miles.
Climate
The climate is tropical with constant high temperatures and humidity.
The rainy season extends from May to November. Rainfall is heaviest in July
and August, and along coastal areas such as Freetown where about 150
inches fall annually. Daytime temperatures vary from the low 80s during the
rainy season to the low 90s during December when the harmattan?a hot,
dry dusty wind from the Sahara Desert?is blowing.
Topography
Sierra Leone consists mostly of flat to rolling plains less than 500 feet
high in the western part, and dissected plains, hills, and occasionally moun-
tains in the east. The western section consists of a coastal band of alluvial
sand and clays interrupted by numerous broad tidal creeks and estuaries, and
by a wider belt of rolling plains covered by brush in the south and tall grass
and scattered trees in the north. The generally rough dissected plain that
constitutes the eastern part of the country has similar vegetation. There are
few areas with elevations over 2,000 feet. One such area is the rugged Sierra
Leone Peninsula on which Freetown is located. About 25 miles long and
seven miles wide, the peninsula is covered by dense broadleaf evergreen
forest and contains many steep-sided valleys and ravines.
Natural resources
Sierra Leone's major natural resources are its minerals, but known
deposits are modest and, in the case of diamonds, a wasting asset. Diamonds,
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found in alluvial deposits in the southern part of the upland plateau, are the
most important mineral resource and account for over half of total export
revenue. Other important minerals include iron ore, bauxite, and rutile?a
titanium-bearing ore. Petroleum exploration has so far been unproductive.
Sierra Leone has considerable hydroelectric potential, but there is at present
only one major hydroelectric plant, which supplies most of Freetown's
needs.
Agricultural products account for only about one fifth of total exports,
although farming is the largest sector of the economy. Principal export crops
are palm kernels, coffee, and cocoa. Most people engage in subsistence
farming on small plots, using low-yield traditional methods that employ very
little fertilizer and almost no machinery. Principal food crops are rice,
cassava, ginger, millet and yams. Large areas of potentially productive
swamplands suitable for rice growing remain uncultivated because farmers
prefer the drier and healthier highlands.
Human resources
Sierra Leone's youthful, predominantly rural population is largely
unskilled and poorly educated. As of 1 January 1972 the population was
estimated at 2,607,000 with an estimated annual growth rate of 1.5 percent.
Population density averages about 93 persons per square mile, but the highly
urbanized western area averages nearly 800 persons per square mile. Nearly
ten percent of the people now live in the western area, and an exodus from
rural areas is continuing. Ninety-nine percent of the population is African,
divided among 13 indigenous tribes. The two major groups, the Temne in the
north and the Mende in the south, each account for one third of the total.
About two percent of the total, or 40,000 people, claim to be Creoles,
descendents of the freed slaves who first settled the country. Creoles tradi-
tionally have comprised a social, intellectual and, formerly, political elite.
Major rivalries center around the competing interests of these three groups,
and those of urban and rural dwellers. The foreign population consists
mainly of an estimated 3,000 Europeans and Americans and about 4,000
Lebanese and Indians.
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II. ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
Growth rates and trends
Sierra Leone's economic performance since independence has been
uneven due, in large part, to its overdependence on one resource?diamonds.
After several years of slackened growth and serious budgetary difficulties,
the economy showed marked improvement in the late 1960s due to a
stabilization program and increased diamond production. In 1968 gross
domestic product increased and foreign exchange reserves grew substantially.
An economic slump began in early 1970, however, and the real annual
growth rate fell to an estimated 2-3 percent. Meanwhile, expenditures, some
linked to persistent political instabilities, continued to grow, producing
severe budgetary pressures which were expected to continue over the next
year.
Income distribution
Most of Sierra Leone's annual income goes to the relatively small
political elite, those who work in the modern economic sector, and foreign
businessmen?including Africans?who have investments in the minerals in-
dustry or the wholesale and retail trade. About 100,000 Sierra Leoneans-11
percent of the labor force?are salary and wage earners, with well over half of
these employed either in the mining industry or by government. The re-
maining 89 percent engage in subsistence agriculture and are only marginally
involved in the money economy.
Status of agriculture, mining, and industry
Agriculture?Farming, together with animal husbandry, fishing, and
forestry, provides a livelihood for 80 percent of the population. It accounts
for 30 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 20 percent of
total exports. Rice is by far the most important subsistence crop, accounting
for 45 percent of total agricultural output. Self-sufficiency in rice is a major
economic goal, but 30-40,000 tons annually must still be imported. The
main export crops are palm kernels, coffee, and cocoa. There is good
potential for increased food production.
Mining?Mining is the second most important domestic activity and the
most important foreign exchange producer, accounting for over 75 percent
of total exports The major minerals are diamonds, iron, bauxite, and rutile.
Diamonds account for about 80 percent of the value added by the mining
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sector. They are mined in roughly equal shares by local diggers and by the
National Diamond Mining Company (DIMINCO) under a concession agree-
ment with the government, which owns 51 percent of DIMINCO shares.
Rutile production, a key element in future government planning, was
suspended in 1971 when the financially pressed concessionaire ended oper-
ations. Operations under new ownership were expected to resume in 1972.
Industry?The small manufacturing sector?six percent of GDP?so far
has made only a limited contribution to the growth of output and employ-
ment. It consists mostly of foreign owned and managed establishments
producing simple import substitutes and employing less than 50 persons.
Production of most commodities declined in 1970, but the reduction in
value was more than offset by increased output at the local refinery, which
began operations in 1969.
Transportation and communications
Transportation and telecommunication facilities are inadequate and
poorly maintained. Major components include two unconnected rail lines
totaling 368 miles of single, narrow-gauge track, 4,000 miles of highway (of
which less than 400 miles are paved), an adequate inland waterway network,
and a major, recently enlarged seaport. The government, aided by the World
Bank, is embarked on a substantial road-building program in anticipation of
the planned phase-out of the 311-mile publicly owned rail line. Freetown is
linked by air to west and central Africa, Europe, and the United States.
Domestic service is restricted to six airfields. Freetown is the country's main
telecommunications center with links by radiotelephone to London and
several African countries. In addition, three old submarine cables provide
links with Accra, Ghana; Bathurst, Gambia; and Ascension Island.
Government economic policies and monetary systems
All Sierra Leone governments have emphasized the importance of
economic development, particularly in agriculture, and of attracting foreign
investment. However, actions have varied considerably from stated objec-
tives. Long-range development plans were ignored or soon abandoned as
unrealistic, promised austerity measures gave way to excessive government
spending and borrowing, and the agriculture sector was not allocated the
promised funds. These disparities continued into 1972. The Stevens govern-
ment called for greater foreign investment, but in 1971 it acquired con-
trolling interest in the privately owned diamond mining company, and
passed new laws to restrict foreign participation in the economy. This helped
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sour the investment climate. The proposed budget for 1972-73 apparently
reflects a recognition of the need for austerity?development and military
spending has been cut. Nevertheless, the past performance of the Stevens
government, the pervasiveness of corruption, and the potential for more
political instability make austerity doubtful.
The monetary system consists of a central bank, three foreign-owned
commercial banks, a development bank, and a postal savings bank. Sierra
Leone's currency, the leone, was created in 1964 along with the central
bank, and is informally pegged to the pound. Sierra Leone belongs to the
International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development.
Foreign trade
Duties from imports and exports constitute the government's largest
source of revenue. Declining customs receipts, combined with higher than
normal trade deficits in 1970-71, contributed to the country's deepening
economic slump. Diamonds, iron ore, bauxite, and rutile are the major
exports. Major imports are foodstuffs, chemicals, manufactured products,
machinery, and transport equipment. The United Kingdom is Sierra Leone's
major trading partner, accounting for 65 percent of its exports and 30
percent of its imports. The European Economic Community countries, the
United States, and Japan also figure prominently.
Balance of payments
Perennial trade deficits since independence have been more than offset
by a net inflow of capital?mainly private foreign investment?resulting in a
payments surplus during most years. The higher trade deficits of 1970 are
continuing, however, accompanied by declining foreign investments,
declining revenues, and increased government spending and borrowing. As a
result the government faces a serious liquidity problem. External reserves are
being used up, and there are no immediate prospects of a brighter future.
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III. POLITICAL SITUATION AND TRENDS
Historical background
Present day Sierra Leone was formed from two elements; the former
colony, consisting of the area around Freetown, where the Creoles were an
important part of the population; and the much larger Protectorate, in-
habited almost entirely by tribal people. The British established limited
representative political institutions in the colony in 1863, and the Creoles
played a leading political role from the outset. In contrast, representative
institutions did not exist in the Protectorate until 1946. Their establishment
ensured that the more numerous tribal people would eventually gain political
control, which they did during the 1950s when Britain began to relinquish
its hold and encourage political party activity.
1951-1967: The unity of independence begins to fragment?For three
years after independence in 1961 Sir Milton Margai, leader since 1951 of the
southern-dominated Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), controlled politics
through a conservative coalition based on traditional chiefs and the Mende
tribe. The coalition, united on the question of independence, began to
fragment as competition for the political spoils intensified after sovereignty
was attained. The fragmentation accelerated under the autocratic rule of
Albert Margai, who assumed leadership of the SLPP and the post of prime
minister upon the death of his brother. At the same time, the challenge of
opposition political elements gradually grew stronger and culminated in the
narrow election victory in March 1967 of the All People's Congress (APC)
led by Siaka Stevens.
1967-1968: Military intervention?Before Stevens could take office
Margai, with the help of the army commander, arrested the APC leader in a
desperate effort to retain power. After two days of confusion and mounting
tensions, senior military officers seized control in an effort to stabilize the
deteriorating security conditions. Organized into the National Reformation
Council (NRC), the military ruled for 13 months. Their inability to develop
popular support or establish the legitimacy of their rule resulted in a mutiny
by the lower ranks of the army and police in April 1968, paving the way for
a return to civilian government under Stevens.
1968-1971: Stevens takes hold?Stevens faced enormous problems
when he took over, notably the unreliability of his security forces which
mirrored the deep tribal and regional divisions that plagued the country
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generally. Violent clashes between the Mendes and Stevens' northern sup-
porters, now in power for the first time, led to a declaration of a state of
emergency in late 1968. Gradually the new prime minister gained control
and the Mendes resigned themselves to the role of a legal though ineffectual
opposition. In mid-1970 Stevens faced a new challenge, this time from
within his own party. A group of dissident Temnes from the Tolkolili
district, unhappy with their role in Stevens' system and with his drive to
install himself as an executive president, formed a new opposition party and
sought SLPP support. Stevens reacted vigorously, banning the new party and
arresting its leaders--some of whom have since been released.
1971- : Consolidation of Stevens' rule?The Temne challenge put great
strain on the loyalty of the army, which Stevens still regarded as suspect. In
March 1971 Army Commander Bangura, a Temne and former Stevens
supporter who had become disenchanted, launched a poorly conceived and
executed coup attempt. Subordinate officers again stepped in, but while
they were debating what to do, Stevens struck back with the help of loyal
army officers, and Guinean troops rushed to Freetown under a hastily signed
defense agreement. Once back in control, Stevens exploited the coup at-
tempt to achieve long-sought political changes. A republic was declared, a
new constitution adopted, and Stevens was installed as the country's first
executive president. By year's end Stevens and the APC were well en-
trenched in power, although their control rested more than ever on force and
intimidation.
Government
Sierra Leone is governed under a patchwork constitutional structure
that incorporates elements as diverse as British parliamentary democracy and
customary tribal law. Long division of the country into colony and protec-
torate and the differing governing procedures followed in each further
confuses the picture. Those government structures inherited from Britain
have no roots among Sierra Leoneans, except possibly in the case of the
Creoles, and are poorly understood by most citizens. Surprisingly few
modifications were made until 1971, however. Those that have occurred
have been designed to facilitate the application and retention of executive
power. The 1971 modifications superimposed a powerful presidential system
through which Stevens runs the country. His office no longer is linked to
parliamentary elections, but he is required to face presidential elections
every five years, beginning in 1976. Further changes toward stronger execu-
tive control are likely. The 78-member parliament is thoroughly controlled
by Stevens' party and does not challenge his decisions. The main political
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divisions are three provinces divided into 12 districts with 146 chiefdoms,
and the western area which comprises Freetown and other coastal areas of
the former colory.
Political dynamics
Sierra Leone politics have been unstable and marred by violence since
independence. Competition for the top job has been intense. Parties are
narrowly constructed along tribal and regional lines, although there are
frequent defections to the group that appears stronger at the moment. The
once powerful Creole minority is particularly adept at this. Their support
swung the 1967 elections in Stevens' favor.
The All People's Congress--The left of center APC was formed by
President Stevens in 1960 to push for elections before independence. Elec-
tions were not held and power passed from the British directly to Milton
Margai, a Stevens rival and head of the Sierra Leone People's Party. The APC
remained the major opposition party until its upset election victory in 1967.
Its main support comes from northern tribes, particularly the Temne and
Limba.
The Sierra Leone People's Party?The SLPP is a coalition of tribal chiefs
and educated elite from the former Protectorate. It is particularly identified
with the Mende tribe. The party was founded by Dr. Milton Margai in 1951.
Leadership problems, government harassment, and financial difficulties have
reduced the SLPP to an ineffectual opposition in 1972. A potential for
resurgence remains because of its continued identification with a major tribe
and specific geographic area, however.
Stevens' power rests on his prestige, his position as chief executive and
commander in chief, and the unstated threat that Guinean troops would
again intervene to suppress any challenge. Like each of the four governments
in power since independence, Stevens has sought to augment the power of
the executive. Unlike the others, he has been generally successful. The
opposition was neutralized by combining repression with political deals,
constitutional changes, and judicial decisions that nullified many of the
opposition's election victories. A principal tool has been the state of emer-
gency declaration under which the President is granted additional powers
and all political activity is prohibited. An emergency declaration first ap-
proved by Parliament in October 1970 was renewed one year later. Stevens'
views do not go unchallenged, however. He is subjected to strong and
conflicting pressures from within his party and cabinet. Moreover, Stevens is
constrained by some desire to adhere at least to the appearance of legality.
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Stevens' hard-fought and nearly constant battle to retain control and
enhance his powers has left little time for building a durable national
political system or an ideology to unite the country. His constituency today
is probably weaker than when he took power. Deep scars remain from the
1970 revolt within the APC. Moreover, Stevens has abandoned some of the
policies that attracted the urban poor and rural disenfranchised who swelled
the ranks of his party in the mid-1960s. He has, in fact, turned for support
to the same traditional chiefs he criticized when in opposition. All this, plus
an economic slowdown, probably has diminished Stevens' popularity and
made his position more dependent than ever on the use of force and
corruption.
Stevens has gained, on the other hand, from the change to a strong
presidency, the availability of armed backing from Guinea, and restoration
of some discipline within the security forces. However, the army remains
badly split and probably has not given up interfering in the political process.
Security forces
Police?The 1,800-man police force has primary responsibility for main-
taining internal security and law and order. Poor discipline and leadership,
political interference, and conflicting regional and tribal ties limit police
effectiveness,. Morale improved during 1971, but discontent still exists over
low wages, poor working conditions, and tribal favoritism. In addition to the
regular police, a small force of perhaps 200 men is being trained as a special
Internal Security Unit.
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IV. SUBVERSION
Communist party and front groups
There is no Communist party in Sierra Leone. There is some Soviet
influence among students who have received their education through Soviet
scholarship programs and among certain labor leaders. There are pro-Soviet
and pro-Chinese sympathizers within the APC, and some of its members
belong to international Communist fronts. Stevens, whose own children have
studied in Communist countries, remains a pragmatic nationalist, however.
Foreign activities
Communist countries have shown only moderate interest in advancing
their cause in Sierra Leone and pose little subversive threat. Only the Soviet
Union and China maintain resident missions. Representatives from Bulgaria,
Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Yugoslavia are accredited to Freetown, but
reside elsewhere. East Germany periodically presses for the establishment of
diplomatic relations. Soviet warships stationed off Guinea paid good-will
visits to Freetown harbor in 1971 and 1972. Among African states only
Guinea takes a strong interest in Sierra Leone's internal affairs. It has a
defense treaty with the Stevens government. Guinea has no incentive to
overthrow the present Sierra Leone Government, but has succeeded in
strengthening radical elements in the country.
Exile groups
Several of Stevens' political opponents live in exile and undoubtedly
plot against him. Their prospects were not good in early 1972, but Stevens
was greatly concerned with the threat from this quarter. The exiles' main
resources within Sierra Leone are tribal and regional allegiances, and former
supporters of the now illegal political party formed by Temnes who bolted
the APC in 1970. John Karefa-Smart, leader of that Temne faction, now
lives in the United States, while Albert Margai, the former prime minister,
lives in England. Both retain some support within Sierra Leone.
Popular discontent
Sierra Leone has many exploitable problems, but there is no evidence
of organized subversion. The government must contend with grumbling over
high prices and low wages, and with high urban unemployment, lawlessness,
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and vvidespreacl corruption. Diamond smuggling continues unabated, due in
large part to the participation of high government officials. The security
forces remain factional ized and rumors of new plotting are common. Stevens
currently has the force necessary to stay in power, but the potential for
future political upheavals is obvious.
The military
A military coup remains the most likely method of removing Stevens
from office. The prospect of such a coup diminished during late 1971, but
did not disappear. Stevens sought to neutralize the threat through a com-
bination of promises, warnings, purging of those of suspected loyalty, and
creation of a well-armed special police unit to counter the army if necessary.
Moreover, 50 Guinean troops have continued to be Stevens' personal guard.
A former army commander and three fellow plotters were hanged last June
as a lesson to other ambitious officers. The rank and file remains divided into
factions.
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VI. ARMED FORCES
Organization and manpower
The 1,500-man army is controlled by President Stevens as commander
in chief and minister of defense through his army commander, Colonel
Joseph Momoh. There is no navy or air force. The army consists of one
regiment, made up of one battalion plus supporting elements. The battalion
has four rifle companies and a headquarters company. There are no signif-
icant paramilitary forces. The police force numbers 1,800, and a few
hundred men have been organized into a special Internal Security Unit.
Equipment
Most arms and equipment are of British World War II origin. They
consist almost exclusively of small arms, with some mortars and rocket
launchers. Most are in a poor state of repair. A small amount of small arms
and ammunition was received from China during 1971. Ten armored cars
were purchased from Switzerland in 1970. At least eight had been delivered
'Dy early 1972.
Military budget
The defense budget for 1971 was $6.1 million, 8.4 percent of the total
budget. This represents a substantial percentage increase over previous years
and reflects the security problems of the government. Between 1964 and
1968 defense expenditures ranged between 4.0 and 4.4 percent of the
budget.
Military agreements and aid
UK assistance, mostly in the form of grants and loans, has steadily
declined since independence. As of mid-1970 the UK provided only training.
Currently Sierra Leone receives almost no foreign military aid. A mutual
defense treaty was signed with Guinea in March 1971 under which Guinean
troops were dispatched to help President Stevens suppress a coup attempt.
Economic and technical agreements signed with China in July 1971 were
believed to include some military equipment and possibly training, but the
details are not available.
Sierra Leone Apr 72
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VII. FOREIGN RELATIONS
Western countries
President Stevens has modified Sierra Leone's traditional pro-Western
foreign policy to create a more even-handed approach toward East and West.
Nevertheless, the basic thrust continues to be toward close ties with the
West. A general decline of British influence since the mid-1960s accelerated
during Stevens' rule, although Sierra Leone has remained within the
Commonwealth and economic and cultural ties with the UK remain
substantial. The very loose constitutional ties provided for in the
independence constitution were scrapped in favor of a republican system in
March 1971. FIelations with the US were occasionally stormy during
1968-71 due to repeated attempts by Stevens to implicate the US in
domestic affairs? A decision by Freetown in 1971 to extend its territorial
seas to 200 miles was in conflict with US Law of the Sea objectives. Over-all
relations appeared to be improving in early 1972, however. The UK and US
remain the primary sources of foreign aid.
Communist countries
Initiatives on both sides resulted in increased Communist activity in
Sierra Leone in 1971, and in the establishment of diplomatic relations with
China and North Korea. Visits by numerous Communist delegations to
Freetown resulted in some increased aid, including the first military aid from
China, although the total amount has not been substantial. The visit of a
Soviet naval contingent in December 1971 reflects a modest increase in
Soviet interest. Moscow has maintained an embassy in Freetown since 1962.
A further expansion of ties with Communist governments is expected, partly
as a result of proddings by leftist Sierra Leoneans and partly from Stevens'
pursuit of foreign aid and prestige.
African countries
African policy focuses on maintaining good relations with neighboring
governments. A member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Sierra
Leone follows the OAU lead on broader issues. Relations with Guinea are
particularly close. Conakry's more radical views on African issues often are
repeated by leftists in Stevens' government and have some effect on policy
decisions. Sierra Leone was the African representative among non-permanent
members of the UN Security Council in 1970-71 and is active in UN debates.
Sierra Leone Apr 72
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VIII. US INTERESTS
Defense
The United States has no defense obligations to Sierra Leone and has
not furnished any military aid.
Economic and technical aid
US assistance amounts to about $2.5 million annually for Peace Corps
and PI_-480 programs, and for staffing an agriculture college. The cumulative
total from 1946-70 is $34 million. There were 215 Peace Corps Volunteers
in Sierra Leone in 1971 under a 1961 agreement.
Trade
Trade with the US has increased somewhat since 1968, but it remains a
small percentage of Sierra Leone's total. In 1970 exports to the US
amounted to $6.2 million out of total exports of $101 million. Imports were
$10 million out of $116 million. Primary exports to the US are coffee,
rutile, and diamonds; primary imports are machinery and transportation
equipment. The same pattern should persist, with little prospect for an
increased US share.
Investment
Sierra Leone has attracted only limited foreign private investment, with
the bulk coming from the UK. US investment is minimal, amounting to an
estimated $15 million. Eleven million of that represents an Export-Import
Bank claim on assets of Sherbro Minerals, a US-controlled rutile mining
company that suspended operations in 1971 after encountering technical
and financial difficulties. Another US company has picked up the mining
concession agreement and is expected to resume production in 1972. The
remaining investment represents investment in a flour mill, a diamond
polishing factory, a petroleum refinery (Mobile and Texaco), and tuna
fishing. There is an Investment Guaranties program for US investment in
Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is a signatory to the Convention on the Settle-
ment of Investment Disputes.
Cultural
The US has no cultural or educational agreements with Sierra Leone,
although the US Government sponsors a Visitors Exchange program and
Sierra Leone Apr 72
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maintains a small USIS team in Freetown. The US cultural program cost
$109,000 in 1971. One hundred eighty-five Sierra Leoneans have visited the
US under the exchange program since 1949. Some 240 students were
studying in the US in 1971,24 under official US sponsorship. This compares
with about 500 Sierra Leoneans studying in the Soviet Union, and 1,000 in
the UK.
US citizens
There were almost 900 US nationals in Sierra Leone as of late 1971.
Included besides the Peace Corps were 14 members of the US Mission and
their dependents. The 579 private US citizens included 134 American
missionaries.
Sierra Leone
VIII - 2 Apr 72
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